Lois Gay Richards, 86, of Country Club Dr., Ellwood City passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at her residence.
Born June 20, 1931 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Ira and Margaret Nagel West . She was married in 1957 to R. Thomas Richards who passed away in 1998.
Lois graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949. She graduated in 1952 as a Registered Nurse from the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing. Lois then received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh in 1958. While at Pitt, Lois worked at Presbyterian Hospital. She formerly worked as the mill nurse at the Aetna Standard and as the camp nurse at Camp Allegheny. Lois also worked at the Ellwood City Hospital and Jameson Hospital. She finished her nursing career as the school nurse for the Ellwood City Area School District, retiring in 1993. Lois was active in the community, she was a member of the Lincoln Book Club, Friends of the Fruitcake, the Tri County Needlework Group, and the Faith Circle at Trinity Lutheran Church. Lois was a former member of the Salvation Army Women’s Fellowship and the Ellwood City Women’s Club. She was a faithful member of the All Saints Anglican Church in Cranberry Twp. Her hobbies included, reading, baking cookies, quilting, and embroidery, especially on her quilts.
Survivors include a son, Robert (Julie) Richards of Beaver; daughter, Amy Miller of Ellwood City; and two grandsons, Dr. John (Kayla) Richards, and Andrew (Sonia) Miller, both of Maryland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brother, Ralph and Jerry West.
Friends and family will be received on Monday April 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday at 11 am at the Trinity Lutheran Church with her pastor, Rev. Father Paul Cooper and Rev. Peggy Suhr-Barkley of Trinity Lutheran officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mark’s Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the All Saints Anglican Church, 1510 Haine School Rd, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 or Trinity Lutheran Church, 207 Spring Ave. Ellwood City.
The family would like to extend their special thanks to Dr. William Ferri and Catholic Hospice, especially nurses Leslie and Cheryl for their kind and compassion care.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
Rob, we are sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Our condolences to your family. The Corfield’s
Since Amy shared the sad news, Aunt Lois has been in my constant thoughts. I distinctly remember her laugh and how easily she shared it.
I also remember her stern reprimands when Robbie and I did something typically dumb.
Though my daughter Jessie never got to spend much time with Lois, her never failing cards fro Christmas, birthdays, anniversary and even Valentines have left a lasting impression. I might even forget my anniversary without her reminders.
With her passing we have lost a generation, leaving us cohort of cousins to carry on. it’s a hard time but the good memories will carry us forward.
Our deepest condolences and prayers,
Marty, Cait and Jessie
So sorry to here of Lois passing. She was a wonderful and caring lady. I’ve known Lois for many years. She will be sorely missed. My condolences to Amy and her family.
We hope that our Lord brings you and your family the much needed comfort and peace during this sad time. May the soul of your mother be at peace with our Heavenly Father. Our condolences to you and your family. Sorry that we couldn’t make the viewing.
Mike & Mary Kruppa
Lois was an incredible woman. She always had a ready smile and infectious laugh. Tom and she were so welcoming to our family when we moved to Beaver Falls. I think they were my parents’ closest friends in so many ways.
4th of July Picnics were always a special time of celebration. She opened her house to visitors, some more permanent than others. Your parents took in elderly women who had no family. Amy, you shared your room with them, thank you for your generosity.
Her crafting ability adorned our church’s Crismon tree at Christmas. Her banners celebrated the church’s seasons. When I decided I wanted to smock a dress (never having done anything like that before), she wisely invited me over and started me off with smocking a baby bonnet. Our young sons were blessed with a lovely yellow romper and later with a beautiful Noah’s ark overall, both of which she smocked.
All of these things were a reflection of what flowed out of her heart that was filled with a love of her Lord and Savior Jesús Christ. Lois was a woman of prayer, a Daughter of the King, and a faithful steward of the gifts that God had given her. Our Christian joy is that this is not the end. She is rejoicing with her beloved Tom and the rest of her family and friends. We shall meet again at the heavenly banquet. May she Rest In Peace and rise in glory!
Sorry for your loss. Cousin Lois was a great lady and will be truly missed.