Edna Mae Richards, 64 of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on July 4, surrounded by her loving family.
Edna was born in Ironton, Ohio on October 27, 1948 to the late Nellie Catherine (Floyd) and Chester Bernard Ford. After Ironton, she lived in Phoenix before settling in Gallipolis, Ohio, graduating from Gallia Academy High School (GAHS) in 1966. She moved to Pennsylvania in 1975 and then to Ellwood City in 1978, where she raised her family.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Harlan Tyrone Richards of Ellwood City; three daughters, Vicki Richards (Justin) McMaster of Delaware, Ohio, Cristi Richards of Madison, New Jersey and Amy Richards (Mike) Benninger of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her pride and joy, and what she said “made getting older worth every minute” were her grandchildren Tyler and Lauren McMaster and Ryanne Benninger. She is also survived by her sister Linda (Bill) Newman and Thomas “Fred” (Debbie) Ford. She also has many nieces and nephews.
Ty and Edna hosted a foreign exchange student, Helena Gomez, in 1987. Helena was their other daughter, who Edna visited in Spain in 2005. Helena and her husband Andres have two children, Amelia and Sebastian, and live in Brussels, Belgium.
Edna was a devoted wife, mother, sister, Mimi, and friend to many people. She loved spending holidays with the family, traveling with her husband and joining in on family vacations. As for her community, she was a Deacon and Elder at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City and she taught young girls how to be strong girls as a Brownie leader, for almost 20 years. She remained active with the Girl Scout Council for over 25 years. Throughout her years, she stayed active in school functions, the Municipal and Card Clubs and volunteered at the local hospital and belonged to a golf and bowling league.
Edna will always be known as a person that lent her time and kindness to her friends, neighbors and family. She loved watching sports, sharing an opinion, taking pictures and telling a favorite family story and most of all, spoiling her grandchildren.
Viewing hours celebrating Edna’s life and happiness will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave in Ellwood City. A memorial service will be held at Calvin Presbyterian Church on Monday at 11 am with Pastor Sean Brubaker officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s favorite charity. Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
Heart is aching for my dear cousin,girls,and family. Love and prayers for peace and comfort.
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers to the family. She will be missed.
We are so saddened by the news of Edna’s passing.
Our hearts and prayers go out to your Family. Edna was a great lady and full of life .
May God be with all of you now and always.
The Rhoads Family
I am so sorry to hear of Edna’s passing. She was an amazing woman and I was lucky to have her as my Brownie Troop Leader. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My sincere condolences to Enda’s family. It was always a pleasure to be in her presence. A hug to all. Kenneth Hogue
Deepest condolences to the entire Richards’ family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
So sorry to hear of Edna’s passing. She was a great “Girl Scouter” and person and even though it has been 20 years, whenever our paths crossed, she always asked about my children by name. You have my deepest condolences on your great loss.
Ty: My warmest thoughts are with you during this time…..James H. Houck
Ty, my sincere sympathy to you and your family.
We are so sorry to hear of you loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember all the happy times together. I loved talking with Edna and she will be truly missed. Know that your friends will always be there for you!
Love,
Dave, Christin, Nathan and Sierra Leiden
Dear Ty & Fred,
I’m so sorry to read of Edna’s passing. Although I haven’t seen you folks in many years I still think of her often. She was such a sweetheart & I can still hear her laugh! My deepest sympathy to all of her family.
Lisa
My condolences Edna was a wonderful Girl Scout volunteer for many years ane wil be missed.
Ty, we are saddened to learn of Edna’s passing. We are remembering times shared while living in Virginia. Sending heart felt sympathy. Steve and Judy Betz
Dear Ty & Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious wife and mother. Although it has been a long time since I have spoken to Edna, I always remember her as a very fun loving person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ty and Girls,
I was saddened to hear of Edna’s passing. She was a great friend. I will always remember helping with the Girl Scout Troop at Walnut Ridge School, many camping trips to Camp Fombelina, driving our jeep in the blizzard, and the many times spent at Calvin Presbyterian Church with Pastor Bob. Memories live with us for ever, she will always be in our hearts.
Our Sympathies to you and your families.
Love,
Cookie and daughters Natalie Jones Harjes and Emily Jones Arnold