Jane Richardson

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Laura Jane Richardson, 78, of Chanute, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Austin, Texas.

She was born August 19, 1947, in Clinton, Oklahoma, to Bob and Bertha (Strickland) Renfrow. Jane was raised in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School in 1965. She went on to attend William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri, where she earned her teaching degree. Her love of learning and dedication to her students led her to continue her education at Pittsburg State University, where she earned both a Master’s degree and a Reading Specialist degree during her summers.

Jane devoted thirty-five years to teaching in the Chanute School District. She was a passionate and dedicated educator who touched countless lives with her patience, kindness, and unwavering belief in her students. In 2012, she retired to care for her beloved husband, Carl, following his cancer diagnosis. She remained faithfully by his side, caring for him with deep love and devotion until his passing later that year—a true reflection of her selfless heart.

Following college, Jane was united in marriage to Charles L. Carlson at the United Methodist Church in Clinton, Oklahoma; they later divorced. She later married Carl R. Richardson in March of 1995 at the chapel of Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas.

Jane was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church. She was actively involved in the Mirza Shrine Unit, taught AWANA, volunteered at the Wesley House in Pittsburg, Kansas, and gave generously of her time to the American Cancer Society. Her faith and servant’s heart were evident in all that she did.

Family and friends were the center of Jane’s life, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue for generations. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—going on cruises with Carl and their friends, attending book club and bunco nights, shopping, and visiting local nurseries to pick out flowers. She especially cherished her summers spent at the family cabin in Montana.

Jane also had a special place in her heart for her dog, Pepe, whom she lovingly called her “favorite child” because he never talked back or told her what to do.

Known affectionately as the “ornery Gigi,” Jane was full of spunk and humor. She delighted in playfully teasing her family—never missing a chance to make them laugh, like the time she taped Christmas money to a brick just to watch their reactions on Christmas morning. Beneath her humor was a deeply caring woman with a generous spirit and a strong love for the Lord.

She is survived by her daughters, Laura Michelle Bruggeman and her husband, Jared, of Joplin, Missouri, and Nicole Carlson of Austin, Texas; as well as Kim Liggans; Shelly Tredway and her husband, Cale, of Erie, Kansas; and Jeff and his wife, Tobbie, of Aurora, Colorado. She was a proud grandmother to Tanner (Jade) Morris of Rogers, Arkansas, and Darian (Danny) Cochran of Springfield, Missouri, along with 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl; her brother, Rex Renfrow; and her daughter, Tina Carlson Kress.

Jane will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her strength, and the way she gave so freely of herself to her family, her students, and her community. Her impact will be felt for years to come by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Chanute, with Pastor DJ Dangerfield officiating. A celebration of life will follow at the Chanute Country Club. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be left at the church the day of the service or mailed to the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P.O. Box 182, Erie, KS 66733. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.