Linda Richards

Linda Hildreth Richards, 76, of Albemarle, passed away September 12, 2020, at Atrium Health Stanly in Albemarle.

Mrs. Richards was born Linda Lou Hildreth January 27, 1944 to the late John Thomas and Lily Beck Hildreth; however, many years later when her second grandson, William Elliott Rollins, attempted to pronounce "Grandma" as a very young boy and it came out sideways, Mrs. Richards forever became affectionately known in her family as "Manga".

She graduated from Wadesboro High School in 1962 and Wingate College in 1964. She was crowned May Day Queen at Wingate and it was at this college where she met her love and husband, Robert Glenn "Bob" Richards, Jr. The two met while performing acting roles in the same play. Mrs. Richards is a former Miss Anson County and was awarded "Miss Congeniality" in the Miss North Carolina pageant.

She held a number of positions in her early career such as working in the Probation Department at Anson County, the Purchasing area of Collins & Aikman Corporation, and Little Red Schoolhouse of Albemarle where her mother-in-law, Emily Boger Richards ("Miss Em"), taught for many years. It was in banking, however, that she spent most of her career contributions. She worked for First National Bank in downtown Albemarle and worked through its transition to First Union and Wachovia, retiring as a Commercial Loan team supervisor in Charlotte.

Mrs. Richards was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, serving both as an Elder and assisting with Wednesday Youth Club. She cherished time with her family and grandchildren, and held memberships in Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Stanly County Genealogical Society.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, John Thomas Hildreth; her nephew, Mike Hildreth, her husband, Robert Glenn "Bob" Richards, Jr; and daughter, Sharon "Sherry" Richards Rollins. Survivors include: son, Jonathan Brett Richards of Albemarle; grandchildren, Emilee-Faye Grace Richards, Ethan Alexander Richards, Seth Avery-Glenn Richards, Nicholas Quinn Rollins, William Elliott Rollins; great-grandchild, Eric Rollins; son-in-law, Gregory Eric Rollins; niece, Cindy Hildreth Fagg; nephew, Dan Hildreth.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm, Friday, September 25, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 11:00am at Fairview Memorial Park, 1425 East Main Street, Albemarle, officiated by Rev. Matt Drumheller.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Richards family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com