Roxanne “Rocky” Richey was born February 22, 1952, in Terre Haute, IN to James Roy Campbell and Ruth Barnett Campbell and was later joined by siblings Penelope, Gaylyn, and Martin Campbell.
The nickname Rocky, given to a curly-haired, redheaded spitfire, would also become a motto for how she tackled her life. She began nursing school before graduating high school. She met the love of her life, Ronny Lee Richey, at Otter Creek Middle School. They married on June 13, 1970, a few days after graduating from Garfield High School. For 52 years, she lovingly bossed Ronny with an unwavering passion. Their unbelievable union would teach us all that the best things in life are worth fighting for. Rock ‘n’ Ron became a staple in their circle.
Together they built a legacy. In 1973, Aaron James Richey rocked their world. He shook it up again in 1995 by making them grandparents to Aryn Taylor Richey (Addison Williams). Aaron and Karen Richey gifted them with three more granddaughters, Madelyn Laine Richey (Peterson Kerlegrand), Haley James Richey, and Autumn Rylee Richey. In 1977, their first daughter, Autumn Brooke Richey, was born. Brooke and Brian Bundy blessed them with Grace Mae Bundy in 2006. With the birth of Courtney Laine Richey on Roxanne’s 28th birthday, February 22 1980, their family was made complete. Courtney and Dallas Coleman added Caledonia Ray Coleman in 2004 and their first grandson, Dallas Michael Coleman, in 2006. Finally, in 2011, Campbell (Soup) Michael Coleman completed their tribe.
A woman of many passions, Rocky found great joy in the simple pleasure of being a grandmother. Her grandkids were her most cherished treasures, bringing light into her life like the sun. The laughter and love they shared served as a constant reminder of her.
Only second to her family was the care and compassion she poured into patients in the Wabash Valley and beyond. Her heart led her to the noble profession of nursing at a young age and lasted more than half a century. For most of that time, she was a staple at Union Hospital. She wrapped her paid nursing career as a dialysis nurse, retiring only at her family’s insistence. She continued to nurse those around her until the end of her days.
Rocky was a woman of the community, a true pillar unto those around her. She was an esteemed member of Camp Bluebird, where she found solace and camaraderie among the cancer survivors. She was a founding member of the Wabash Valley Girls Softball League, serving countless roles during different periods of her life from coach to board member to official grandma of the Wabash Valley Warriors. She cheered and encouraged young girls to reach for their dreams, as she had reached for hers.
The roar of engines and the thrill of the open road called to her spirit, and she answered that call as a self-proclaimed fat-bottomed girl who loved to ride her Fat Boy motorcycle. The Wabash Valley Motorcycle Club brought more memories and philanthropy. The wind in her hair and the freedom of the ride were a joy shared with her biker tribe.
Her dedication to her alma mater, Garfield High School, was steadfast and unwavering. Each year, she worked diligently with friends on the annual 1970 Class Reunion, ensuring that the bonds formed in youth were not lost to the sands of time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Roxanne’s memory to the Roxanne Richey Memorial Fund at the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, 200 South 8th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807 or by clicking below.
