Richanda M. Peters, 74, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy of kindness, laughter, unwavering devotion to family, and generous spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Born on February 10, 1952, in Avon, Illinois, Richanda was the beloved daughter of William Kenneth and Florentine Ursala (Lubinski) Bearce. On December 16, 2005, she married the love of her life, Kevin Peters, in Monmouth. Together they built a life filled with love, friendship, camping adventures, and countless memories over 21 wonderful years of marriage.
Richanda was a dedicated employee who believed in giving her best each day. She proudly worked for Admiral Maytag Corporation for 30 years before continuing her career with Bayer in Monmouth for another 18 years. Her strong work ethic earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike.
While she worked hard, it was her life outside of work that truly reflected who she was. Richanda had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. Whether family stopped by unexpectedly or friends gathered around the table, no one ever left hungry. She was an exceptional baker and cook, known for delicious apple crisp, zucchini bites, homemade jellies, hearty chili, and the potato salad that became a family favorite at every gathering. Her garden flourished under her care, and she found great joy in preserving the harvest through canning and sharing its bounty with others.
Competition came naturally to Richanda, especially during the beloved Sunday pitch games she hosted in her garage. Family members knew they would have to earn every victory, as she played with determination, quick wit, and plenty of good-natured teasing. Those afternoons created traditions and memories that will be cherished for generations.
Richanda and Kevin loved spending time camping, where they made friends wherever they traveled. She also enjoyed bowling alongside her daughter, cheering at dirt track races, and faithfully following her favorite teams. She was an enthusiastic Chicago Cubs fan and rarely missed the chance to watch Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
Above all else, Richanda’s greatest joy was her family. She was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest supporter, proudly attending sporting events, school activities, and celebrations of every kind. Whether sitting in the stands, offering encouragement, or celebrating accomplishments both big and small, she made each child and grandchild feel deeply loved and valued. Her unwavering support, warm hugs, and contagious smile will be missed beyond measure.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband, Kevin Peters of Monmouth; her children, Tom (Laurie) Perry of Geneva, Dawn Benson of Abingdon, Brandi (Butch Rose) Mendoza of Alexis, Dane Perry of Columbia, Missouri, Devin (Travis) McGarry of Dahinda, and Michael Parkins; her fourteen grandchildren, Riley (Lena) Perry, Madison Benson, Colette Norris, Brock (Sydney) Perry, Blakely (Haley) Benson, Kaylee (Eli Loving) McGarry, River Perry, Lydia (Nathan) Benson, Tanner McGarry, Will Perry, Sophia Mendoza, Emilia Mendoza, Briar Perry, Tiffany (fiancé Brandon) Rose, and Whitany Rose; eleven great-grandchildren, Ellis Perry, Raelynn Perry, Bennett Perry, Noah Perry, Chase Arnett, Parish Field, Analiah Lemus, Carlos Lemus, Marcello Cervantez, Mia Cervantez, and Jemma Cervantez; her siblings, Dorothy Wright of Keithsburg, Barb Gardner of Bloomington, Keith (Sharon) Bearce, Maggie Hillery both of Abingdon, and Rita (Mike) Hall of Galesburg; her sister-in-law, Pam (Mike) Bartlett; many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She also leaves behind her cherished four-legged companions, Trudy, Otis, and Jasmine.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Pete and Wanda Peters; her brothers, Frank William Bearce Jr., Robert “Bobby” Bearce, and Richard “Byrd” Bearce; and her sisters, Jo Ulm, Bertie Ford, Betty Rhoades, and Patty Johnson.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the chapel with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Ogden Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to ALS, the Warren County Humane Society, or the Ben Corbin Memorial. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
Richanda’s life was measured not by the years she lived, but by the love she shared, the family she nurtured, the friendships she treasured, and the countless memories she created. Her generous heart, infectious laugh, competitive spirit, and unconditional love will be remembered always and carried forward by everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
