SOUTH THOMASTON — Goldie Joan Richards entered this world Dec. 25, 1938, in Friendship on the living room floor of the family home on Bradford's Point. She was free of her earthly burdens July 16, 2016, at the Sussman House in Rockport after a courageous battle with cancer.

The daughter of William Smart Richards and Violet (Vose) Richards, she attended Friendship Village School and Waldoboro High School. After school, she married Russell E. Wotton, Sr., of Friendship. Together they had three children, Theresa Lee, Russell Jr. and Timothy David. Her second husband was Dennis Hill, with whom she had her fourth child, Darren George.

Goldie had many hobbies. She enjoyed country music, cake decoration, flower arranging and had a large cat collection. You could find a cat in any corner of her home. She worked hard to provide for her family, working at Sylvania in Waldoboro, Van Baalen's in Rockland and in the Maine state-licensed child care center that she ran for 42 years. She loved her child care center and often said, "I wish I was young enough to do it another 42 years."

She had a great love for animals, always having a Lab, several cats, lots of ducks and, at one time, two goats.

But what she loved best were her children and grandchildren. They always made her smile. She loved the family vacations to Storyland and Santa's Village. Christmas and birthday celebrations were her favorite. Being her birthday made it even more special for her. She looked forward to the family all coming over to exchange gifts and enjoy Chinese food.

She was predeceased by her parents, William and Violet Richards; her children, Russell E. Wotton Jr. and Theresa L. Wotton-Peterson; her brothers, Robert and Roy Richards; and sister Roberta Fuller, as well as her daughter-in-law, Lisa Wotton.

She leaves behind her sons, Timothy Wotton and Darren Hill; her adoptive daughter, Deb Allen; her grandchildren, Marika, Julie, Willie, Amanda, Amber, Drake, Brittany, Amanda P., Kristy, Dylan, Adam and Cathie; great-grandchildren Dylan, Ryan, Shane, Avery, Anthony, Lydiann, Emily, Ryan, Samuel, Paisley, Sophie, Sadie and Jozie; her sisters, Elizabeth Dinsmore and husband Wayne, and Barbara Robinson and husband Chet; brother Victor Richards and wife Mary; brother-in-law Glenn Fuller; sister-in-law Shirley Benner; many nieces and nephews and extended family.

The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the Sussman House staff for their amazing compassion and kindness during this very rough time.

Funeral services will be Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. at the Old Village Cemetery, behind the United Methodist Church, Friendship. Pastor Scott Townsend will officiate. There will be a celebration of life luncheon at the Hahn Center after the service. At Goldie's request, those attending her services are asked to wear red, which was her favorite color.