Richards

On Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, Edith Shira Richards went to be with the Lord.

She was born Nov. 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 State Teachers 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, Texas, before moving to Franklin, where John became director of Seneca Hills Bible Camp in 1965. He died in 2008.

Edith taught in Franklin Area School District, a year at Central Elementary, 10 years at Polk Elementary, 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.; and 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.

RICHARDS — Guests are invited to a visitation for Edith Shira Richards, who died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Christ United Methodist Church, 1135 Buffalo St., Franklin. A celebration of Edith's life will immediately follow at 11 a.m. the same day at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Edith's memory to Seneca Hills Bible Camp and Retreat Center, 276 Damascus Road, Polk, PA 16342.

Arrangements for Edith are under the care of GARDINIER-WARREN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 1315 Chestnut St., Franklin.

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Edith's Book of Memories online at www.WarrenFH.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.