Edna Mae Richards

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