It is with both sadness and strength that we announce the passing of Lynn Richardson Hartz. She died peacefully in the care of Glasgow Health and Rehab on Sunday, January 21, 2024, six days shy of her eighty first birthday.

Lynn was born on January 27, 1943, in Charleston, West Virginia, to the late Nelson McClure Richardson and Mary Grace Stone Richardson. She was the eldest of five children in a family full of love, laughter, learning, and music. Lynn was a proud graduate of Charleston High School, class of 1960. Lynn went on to attend Marshall University, obtaining a bachelor's degree. Her other post-graduate accomplishments include two master's degrees, one from The University of Arizona and one from Marshall University, and a PhD at the Union Institute and University.

Lynn's main career focused on mental health. She opened the Women's Counseling Center of WV, which focused on the mental and emotional needs of women, children, and families. This business also led to local cable access shows, and a radio show. Lynn also taught at Southern WV Community and Technical College and Omega Graduate College.

Lynn maintained a lifelong interest in writing. She had poetry, articles, and books all published in various formats–magazines, journals, books, etc. This gave her a great sense of accomplishment. Lynn was also a voracious reader. Her bookshelves were literally overflowing.

Lynn developed an early passion for sewing. Naturally, she made clothes for herself, but she also used her talents for family and friends. She made suits, homecoming and prom dresses, wedding dresses, costumes–all manner of attire. Lynn even made her own version of "Cabbage Patch" dolls!

Lynn was a lifelong Christian, attending various churches throughout her life. She grew up in Boyd Memorial Christian Church, and went to summer church camps. She played the piano at several local churches, as well. Her inquisitiveness led to a strong interest in learning about other religions, among them Judaism, Kabbalah, different types of New Age spirituality, and Native American beliefs and cultures. The Indigenous Peoples were particularly fascinating to Lynn. She amassed a large collection of books, artwork,and jewelry. She even attended several Pow Wows. It was greatly important to her to learn about other cultures.

In addition to her parents, Lynn is predeceased by her husband, William Leonard Harrtz, and a son, Mark Thomas Perrin. She is survived by her daughters Nell (Rick), Hope, and Grace; and one truly beloved granddaughter, Mary Fields; siblings Joanne, Ray, Jean, and Andy. She also had a host of dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends around the world.

We would especially like to thank Glasgow Health and Rehab for caring for Lynn when her needs were beyond our capabilities, and Tammy Pearson, who remains an invaluable and cherished friend.

Please, join us for a celebration of the life of Lynn Hartz at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

www.alz.org/wv?form=FUNSETYDEFK