Edith Elaine Richards
November 22, 1926 ~ August 7, 2025
Born in: New Castle, PA
Resided in: Franklin, PA
On Thursday, August 7th 2025, Edith Shira Richards went to be with the Lord.
She was born on November 22, 1926, the middle of five children born to the late William and Arabella Shira.
After graduating from Princeton High School in Lawrence County, She attended Slippery Rock Teacher College (now University), graduating in 1947. That summer, she worked at Seneca Hills Bible Camp where she met her future husband, John E. Richards. They were married in 1949. John and Edith served churches in Dallas and San Antonio, TX before moving to Franklin where John became director of Seneca Hills Bible Camp in 1965. He died in 2008.
Edith taught in the Franklin School District, a year at Central Elementary, 10 years at Polk Elementary, and then at Sandycreek Elementary until her retirement in 1989. She was the pianist/organist at Rocky Grove Presbyterian Church for over 30 years. She was active in Vacation Bible School, Pioneer Girls, quilting with the Flying Needles, and hosting neighborhood Bible class.
She is survived by her son, John W. Richards and his wife, Louise, of Gaithersburg, MD; her daughters Karen Richards of Franklin and Ann Richards Krill and her husband, Pete, of Plymouth Meeting, PA.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings.
Guests are invited to the Christ United Methodist Church, 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin on September 12th from 10 am to 11 am with a Celebration of Edith’s Life to immediately follow the same day at the church at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Edith’s memory to the Seneca Hills Bible Camp and Retreat Center, 276 Damascus Road, Polk, PA 16342.
Arrangements for Edith are under the care of the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA 16323.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Edith’s Book of Memories online at WarrenFH.com.
Services
Visitation: Friday, September 12, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Christ United Methodist Church
1135 Buffalo Street
Franklin, PA
Celebration of Life: Friday, September 12, 2025 11:00 am
Christ United Methodist Church
1135 Buffalo Street
Franklin, PA
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Edith Elaine Richards 's name.
Seneca Hills Bible Camp and Retreat Center
276 Damascus Road
Polk,
Pennsylvania
16342
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I am so sorry for the loss of such a lovely person. When I was growing up, we lived across the street from the Richards’. Gracious and kind, Edith exchanged knitting lessons with my mom for piano lessons for me with Mrs Richards and I still play at 62. Karen and Ann were my babysitters, and on impossibly hot days Mrs Richards would come and ask my mother, wouldn’t we like to come to Seneca Hills and swim while the campers were at lunch? The big kids played 4 square in their driveway, and Edith was always a friendly presence. I am so glad to have known her. May all the good memories comfort you , and be an example to all of us.
John I remember your mom and a sweet kind soul always with a gentle smile . You and yours are in my prayers
Ann and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother! The last time I saw her was at my mother’s funeral in Franklin! We shared many great memories! Jean Conrad Ployhar
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. You were a faithful caregiver for your mom for many years. Now she us at peace with your dad. She was always a kind and gentle person. I hope to see more of you in the near future.
Mrs. Richards was my third grade teacher at Sandycreek in 1987-1988. While I was lucky to have a number of wonderful teachers throughout my elementary years, I always held her in high regard. I was especially impressed by her piano playing abilities.
Sending my deepest condolences to her friends and family and wishing them comfort at this difficult time.