In Loving Memory of Pauline “Paula” Hudiburg Richards Huber
Nov. 4, 1922 – Jul. 17, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Paula Hudiburg Richards Huber, who left us peacefully on Jul. 17, 2025, at the age of 102, in Fairhope, Alabama.
Paula was born on Nov. 4, 1922, near Prague, Oklahoma, to Hardin Earl Hudiburg and Mary Kimes Hudiburg. She was one of nine children and shared a special bond with her fraternal twin, Paul Hudiburg.
Paula had 102 years of a well lived life. Born and raised on a farm in rural Oklahoma, she grew up during a time when families were self-sufficient, using outhouse plumbing, raising their own food, and riding a horse to school. These humble beginnings shaped her resilience and strong work ethic. Paula graduated first in her class and showed excellence in all she undertook.
A woman ahead of her time, Paula built a successful career, owning an interior design business in Dallas, Texas. Her first husband, Dick N. Richards, was a real estate developer, and together they built a life of accomplishment and adventure.
Avid traveler and seasoned witness to history, Paula experienced the Great Depression, World War II, and witnessed the leadership of 19 U.S. presidents, beginning with Warren G. Harding. She was also a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan, cheering on the team with unwavering enthusiasm over the decades.
Paula’s proudest role was that of a mother. She raised her sons with unwavering love, encouragement, and wisdom. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy.
In her later years, Paula was an avid bridge player, competing two to three times a week at the Nix Center in Fairhope, Alabama, right up through the final weeks of her life. Her intelligence, competitive spirit, and camaraderie endeared her to the bridge community. Her family extends deep gratitude to the Nix Center friends who welcomed her with kindness over the past decade.
Paula was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope; Paula’s faith guided her life.
Paula was preceded in death by her husbands, Dick N. Richards and Alfred Huber; and by her siblings, Kimes Hudiburg, Jack Hudiburg, Joe Hudiburg, Paul Hudiburg, Lavonne Meiers, Kathryn Branning, Lou Lease and Janie Martin.
She is survived by her three sons and their wives, David and Jennifer Richards of Fairhope, Alabama, Bill and Tony Richards of Slidell, Louisiana, and Tom and Donna Richards of Cassville, Missouri. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Susan L. Richards, Nick Richards and wife Tiffany Richards, Trey Richards and wife Kelly Richards, Tara Richards and Brett Epstein; and her five great-grandchildren, Haley Richards, Hunter Richards, Hampton Richards, Quin Epstein, and Devon Epstein.
There will be a celebration of life in April 2026, near Marble Falls, Texas, at the height of the Bluebonnet season. Her final wishes were to be cremated, with her ashes scattered in the Texas Hill Country among the bluebonnets, a place she held close to her heart.
Paula’s life was filled with warmth, laughter, generosity, and grace. While her passing leaves a void, her spirit, like the enduring Bluebonnets, will forever bloom in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have known her.
GO COWBOYS!
Hughes Funeral Home, Daphne, Alabama, is assisting the family. Expressions of condolences for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com.
