Cleda Ann Rich

Cleda Ann Rich 1932-2020 Cleda Ann Rich, known to her family, and the world as “Granny Rich” was born on February 14th, 1932 in Pampa, Texas and passed away on July 28th, 2020. She grew up the youngest of three daughters of West Texas farmers and learned to respect and cherish the value of hard work and family at a young age. Throughout her life, Granny experienced The Great Depression, The Dustbowl Days, WWII, and personal ups and downs of all kinds, but always kept a smile on her face and a passion for life and freedom no matter what came her way. Granny loved her family more than anything in the world, and was a fierce Patriot to her country. Her love of family and country was evidenced by the pictures she always kept around her, and the red, white and blue that was prominently displayed in her home and business. She is predeceased by her husband Bill Rich, and is survived by her two children, Jim Rich and Brenda Bayer who she referred to as “James William” and “Bimba.” She had ten grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Granny filled many roles in her personal life as a mother, wife, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother and also had incredible talents that were showcased in her professional life. She was a farmer, an entrepreneur, a master of the kitchen, and most notably one of the greatest seamstresses to ever thread a needle. Granny Rich owned and operated “Rich Designs and Alterations” in Ashland City, TN for 20 years and considered her customers to be extended family. She told us to “make sure they know I loved them.” She thoroughly enjoyed working at her shop and loved being useful to people in her community. She hemmed bluejeans and suits, altered wedding dresses, mended police uniforms, threaded patches onto military sleeves, created one of a kind items for special occasions and whatever else a customer might need. Her talents at the sewing machine were virtually limitless, and she shared those talents with thousands of people over the decades. When asked the question “Granny, why are you still working at 88 years old?” Her answer was simple: “Because I can and that’s what you’re supposed to do when you live in this country.” She was proud of her work ethic and became an example to all who knew her as to what it means to be a great American, to help others and to follow your passion in life. Granny is an inspiration to us all to live each day to the fullest, keep The Lord close to your heart, and love people with everything you have. Granny gave her life to Jesus many years ago, and is now meeting Him in person and reuniting with friends and family she has missed for a very long time. By now, the angels are lining up to have Granny put some golden thread in their Heavenly apparel! We love you Granny. Thank you for loving all of us. We can’t wait to see you again.