Sonja H. Richards passed away on April 11, 2026. Sonja, lovingly known as Pim, was born on August 13, 1939, in Sharon, West Virginia. She has spent the majority of her life on the banks of Cabin Creek, where her warmth, unique humor, and love for her family & friends have touched all who knew her.
Pim is the proud mother of Patrick Welch (Jackie) whose children include, Sydney Dagher (Halim), Riley Welch (Kristen), & Coley Welch; stepchildren, Michael Richards, Mark Richards, Nancy Watkins and Jason Richards. She also remained close to her sisters, Jo Whited, Barbara Dawn Brewer (Eugene) and Linda Coley (Junior) along with several nieces and nephews.
Beyond her devotion to family, Pim was a faithful Christian who served as a local Church of God co-pastor, ministering at several churches throughout the community. She had a special passion for children and teaching them all about Jesus; she assuredly prayed in some capacity for every family living along those same creek banks. Pim also dedicated 25 years of service to the Kanawha County School System, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, encouragement and a love for learning.
Pim was preceded in death by her parents, Buck and Missy Stone; husbands, Chuck Richards and Freddie Welch; sister, Sissy Combs; brother, Haven Stone and nephew, Jonathan Stone.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Sharon First Church of God with Pastor J.B. Lee officiating. Interment will follow in Montgomery Memorial Park, London. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m.
