Vonna Deane Richards died June 15, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 74 years 4 months 24 days. Funeral services are scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at the Byars Cemetery, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.
Vonna was born January 22, 1951, in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, to Emery and Bessie Faye (Golden) Dedmon.
Her early years were spent in Oklahoma City, but soon, her family relocated to the quaint community of Byars, Oklahoma, where she would continue to nurture the bonds that defined her life.
An ambitious and dedicated individual, Vonna pursued her education at Oklahoma City Community College, where she earned her nursing degree, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in healthcare. With unwavering commitment, she progressed from a Certified Nursing Assistant to a Licensed Practical Nurse, finally achieving her dream as a Registered Nurse before retiring in 2018.
Throughout her career, Vonna’s compassion and expertise touched the lives of countless individuals, embodying the very essence of service and care.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Vonna found joy in a variety of pursuits. Her passions included crocheting intricate items, cultivating a beautiful garden and losing herself in the pages of a good book. Her adventurous spirit led her to embrace travel whenever possible, broadening her horizons and enriching her life experiences. In her younger days, Vonna delighted in the world of art and sketching, showcasing her creative talents in many forms.
A true animal lover, Vonna’s heart was especially bound to her dogs, with her beloved furbabies, Sammy Deane, Dixie Rose, Sugar, Abby and Sassy, all holding a special place in her affections. However, Vonna’s deepest joy came from the time spent with her family and friends, treasuring every moment shared in laughter and love. Vonna lived life with warmth, kindness, leaving an indelible impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Vonna was preceded in death by her parents, Emery and Bessie Dedmon.
Survivors include her forever friend and partner in crime, Katt Shelton; her close cousins, Robert Dedmon and wife, Ruthie, and Pamela Craig and family; her nephews, Nick Shelton, Chris Shelton and wife, Amelia, and family and Aaron Shelton and wife, Bailey, and family; her Tuttle, Oklahoma family; all her nursing colleagues; and numerous other relatives and friends.