Beverly C. Richards

Beverly C. Richards, 91, of Lancaster, PA passed away at the Glen at Willow Valley on July 1, 2015.  Born in Reading, PA and raised primarily in Wayneboro, PA, she was the daughter of the late Preston E. and Pauline Wiedeman Cloud.  On Flag Day of 1947, Bev married James L. Richards and they moved to Lancaster.  She lived there continuously until her death.  Bev moved to Willow Valley Communities in 2002, and continued on there after her husband passed away in 2008.  She is survived by three children:  James L. Richards, John Jeffrey Richards and Melissa R. Geier; a foster daughter, Audrey Stepp; a sister, Bonnie Deyo; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Bev graduated from Ursinus College in 1945 with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Physical Education, English and Science.  Over the years she took refresher courses in Adaptive and Elementary P.E. through Penn State University.  She worked for the School District of Lancaster from 1967-1976 as a P.E. Specialist for Adaptive P.E. and for primary grades.  From 1978-1988 she served as admissions assistant at Franklin and Marshall College.

She was a long time and active member of First United Methodist Church and had been a member of the Chancel choir.

A strong advocate of the Lancaster community, she most recently served on the Board of Directors of the Wheatland Choral and Women’s Symphony Association.  In previous years, she served as a Y-teen advisor at the Y.M.C.A, was a Girl Scout leader, and Political Party worker.  She served on the Boards of the League of Women Voters, Lancaster Day Nursery, and the Junior League.  She was on the finance committee of the United Way and the Alpha Club.  She served as President and Treasurer of American Association of University Women.  Bev enjoyed spending time with her many friends and family members in the Lancaster area, and particularly the times spent at the cottage she and her husband owned on Lake Harmony in the Poconos.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church; corner of Duke and Walnut Sts., Lancaster, PA on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.  Friends may call at the church on   Monday    from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.  Private interment will take place at the convenience of the family.

Please omit flowers.  If desired, contributions in Bev’s memory may be sent to:

Ursinus College Advancement Office, 601 East Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426; or Water Street Ministries, P.O. Box 7267, Lancaster, PA 17604.