Mercedes "Mercie" Townsend, age 80 of Richmond, IN passed away Saturday May 4, 2024 at Ambassador Healthcare surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Seattle, Washington on September 4, 1943 to Michael S. Topley and Madeline Melago Topley. Mercie married David Townsend on July 17, 1965, in Holy Family Catholic Church in Richmond, IN.

She was a faith-filled woman who loved the Lord and her family abundantly. She had a passion for playing cards, cheering on her favorite Pittsburgh team(s), and spending time with her family. In addition, she enjoyed creating beautiful flower arrangements for her family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Rhonda (Brian) McClure, Tracey (Harrison) Mitchell and David T. Townsend; sister Michele "Micki" (Ken) Switzler; grandchildren Jessi Ljungholm, Brianna Mitchell, Haylee Mitchell, and David "DJ" Townsend; great grandchildren Jerzi Mitchell and Jaxon Mitchell and several friends.

She is preceded in death by husband, David, her parents Michael and Madeline; stepmother, Josephine (Jo) Topley, and Aunt Betty Ancira, who was like an additional mother and instrumental in raising her during her younger years.

Father Sengole Gnanaraj will officiate a memorial Mass at 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday May 21, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Graveside services will follow at 1:30 P.M. at St. Andrew Cemetery on Tuesday May 21, 2024. Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.