Joan ‘‘Joni’’ M. Richard

She was born to Raymond and Doreen (Irish) Samuelson in Dunkirk, N.Y., on Dec. 10, 1942. Joni lived much of her life in Chautauqua County and had lived in Jamestown prior to moving to California in 1998 to be with her mom and her sister.

Joni loved writing songs, singing, eating out, playing games, miniature golf, puzzles, decorating for holidays, California sunshine and spending time with friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Doreen Carr, Feb. 2, 2021 and her father, Raymond Samuelson, Jan.27, 2012.

She will be greatly missed by her sister and best friend, Jeanne Schwertfeger of Lakeside, Calif., and sister, Kathy Kelley of Forestville, N.Y.; brother, Kenneth Samuelson of Kodak, Tenn.; step- siblings: John (Donna) Shepard of Badin Lake, N.C., Sue Lanning of Dunkirk, N.Y., and Brian (Jill) Green of Fairfield, Calif. Joni is also survived by her children: Dean (Helen) Bush of Wisconsin Rapids Wis., Tina (Rusty) Gross of Cassadaga N.Y., Dori Denis (Bill Kelley) of Jamestown, N.Y., and Jamie (Kristin) Kibbe of Columbia, S.C.; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Joni’s four children were blessed to be able to spend time together with her the week before her passing.

Per Joni’s wishes, there will be no official service. A private celebration of life will be held on Oct. 9, 2022, in Lakeside, Calif.