Anita "Lou" Lynn Garrett-Richards

Anita Lynn “Lou” Garrett-Richards — affectionately known as Battle or Cherry Bomb — passed away unexpectedly on October 26, 2025. Born December 24, 1969, in Charleston, West Virginia, Anita brought light and laughter into this world from the very beginning. Growing up in Mill Creek, West Virginia, Anita was very passionate about her origins and upbringing. She would often talk about “up home” and how deeply she missed her grandmother, Lela. We find comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain and that she has been reunited with her grandma, Lela Parrack, half-siblings, Bobby, Penny, and Terry, and her dear friends Charlie Brown, Autumn Bledsoe, and her cousin, Anita “Sissy” Wilson. Anita is survived by her mother, Anita Parrack — her closest confidant — as well as her beloved children, who were her entire world: Karl (Jenna), Elizabeth (Jonathon), Lela (Andrew), Kole, Atina, and Ben “Chuck.” She also leaves behind eight grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Abel, Lennox, Ava, Atticus, Jayden, Sonny, Elanna, and Salem “Sky,” half-siblings, Cheryl, Joyce, and Christy, along with a host of close friends. A creative spirit, Anita was an artist, poet, and short-story writer. She was well known in the area as one of the best bartenders, famous for her many specialty drinks. A believer in healing, Anita was certified in reiki and loved reading tarot cards. Anita also had a deep passion for music; from Alice Cooper and Stevie Nicks to Rod Stewart, she loved all music and filled our childhoods with dance parties to “I Will Survive” and “I Love the Nightlife.” Her warmth extended far beyond family ties. Anita had an innate desire to help others in need. Her generosity left lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She volunteered with Veterans Helping Heroes and Back on the Bike and proudly served in the U.S. Army. Over the years, she made countless friends, and to know her was truly to love her. Anita’s heart was enormous and she was truly a bright light in a dark world. She never knew a stranger and would give you the shirt off of her back even if it meant she went without. Her gift-giving was legendary and you never left her house empty-handed; no matter how many times you insisted otherwise. Anita was always in tune with the world around her and was truly a blessing — as a mother, grandmother, friend, and the one who was always just a phone call away. She was tough, resilient, and she did everything her way, even if it meant the hard way. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. “We’ll like you forever. We’ll love you for always. As long as we’re living, our mommy you’ll be.” Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1st, 2025 at Reger Funeral Home in Huntington, West Virginia. A memorial service will follow at 5:00 p.m. Please join us in celebrating the beautiful life she lived, and the beautiful life she gave to us. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date, to be held in Mill Creek, WV. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to help with remaining expenses and to support a future education fund for her youngest son, Benjamin “Chuck” Garrett.