Heather M. Richards 39, of Racine passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026 in her home after fighting a long illness.

She was born in Milwaukee on March 26, 1987 to Joseph Kornacki and Lynette Pruitt. Heather grew up in Cudahy. Following graduation from Cudahy High School in 2005; she pursued her passion for hair design. She was a 2006 graduate of Martins College of Cosmetology.

She was employed with Cost Cutters and Ulta Beauty. Heather proudly co-owned Hairfinity Salon since March 2021.

Heather married the love of her life; Bryan Richards on October 31, 2009. Together they raised two amazing children Cody and Willow. She was devoted to her family and friends.

Heather loved music, art, traveling, Harry Potter and her Jack. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends around a fire with good food and conversation.

She is survived by her husband Bryan Richards; her children Cody and Willow; her parents Lynette Pruitt and Joseph Kornacki; her brother Joshua (Alexandra Sorensen) Kornacki; her maternal grandfather James G. Pruitt; her mother and father-in law Tammy Richards and Robert Richards; Jamie and Lisa Santana; Hillary Richards and Chris Champion; Ashley Richards and Michael Gardner. Heather is further survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Audrey Pruitt (nee: Addy); her paternal grandparents Aurthur and Virgina Kornacki; her niece Sara R. Santana, her uncle James R. Pruitt; and her brother in-law Michael E. Santana.

A memorial service for Heather will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Purath-Strand Funeral Home. Relatives and friends may meet with the family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to family are appreciated.