Elsie Lee Rich, formerly of Glasgow, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, after living a beautiful 92 years and 3 days. She was born on September 27, 1934, to the late Ballard and Earle Matthews and was the fourth of their four daughters.
Elsie was raised on Poplar Spring Church Road in Barren County, where she learned early in life the values of faith, family, hard work, and community. She attended the one-room Poplar Spring School before continuing her education at Temple Hill School and later graduating from Temple Hill High School. She went on to attend Draughon’s Business College in Nashville, preparing herself for a career that would begin with her first position at J.F. Pace Equipment Company in Glasgow. It was while working at J.F. Pace Equipment Company that Elsie met the love of her life, Charles D. Rich. The two were united in marriage in 1959 and shared 54 years together, building a life centered around their family and the love they shared. In 1966, their family was blessed with the birth of their only child, Michael Rich, who brought great joy and purpose to Elsie’s life.
Faith was a treasured part of Elsie’s life from an early age. She was saved as a young girl under the preaching of Brother Enmity Strode and joined Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member throughout her life. At the time of her passing, she was the church’s oldest member. Her faith was not simply something she practiced, but a foundation upon which she built her life and raised her family. Elsie had a deep love for music. She enjoyed singing and playing the piano, and she passed that love of music on to her son. She and Michael shared many special memories attending gospel music concerts throughout the area, creating moments that would become cherished memories for their family. Above all else, Elsie treasured her family. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and found tremendous joy in watching them grow. Her love, encouragement, gentle spirit, and devotion to those she held dear will remain a lasting part of the lives she touched.
She leaves to cherish her memory— her son, Michael Rich (Kris); three grandchildren, William Charles Matthew Rich of Glasgow, Justin Michael Rich (Danielle) of Glasgow, and Casey Alice Bray (Raymond) of Lafayette, Tennessee; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth Cox, Earlene Trimble, and Ethel Maxine Matthews.
The interment will be in Happy Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Poplar Spring Baptist Church or Cemetery Fund, c/o Randy Simmons, 760 Glover Rd, Glasgow, KY, 42141-8848.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at Patton Funeral Home Cave City Chapel. Visitation is 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday.
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