Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Mrs. A. Bess Richards, 75, of 925 South Lincoln Avenue, Tyrone, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at 1 p.m. at Tyrone Hospital.
She was born Oct. 27, 1928 in Philipsburg, the daughter of Walter and Lorena Curtis Crago. On Oct. 29, 1976 in New York she was married to Rev. Byron L. Richards who preceded her in death June 10, 2002.
She is survived by a son, Walter Fleck of Philipsburg and seven grandchildren, Francis of LA, Theresa of CO, Ann Flores of CA, Byron III of Texas, Debbie Taylor of CA, John of CA and Susan, wife of John Dragonetti of NC; 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was the last of her immediate family.
She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and of the United Methodist Women. She was a graduate of Philipsburg High School, Class of 1947.
Prior to her marriage, she had been employed at the A & R Store in Philipsburg and as a secretary in the office of the magistrate in Philipsburg.
During her husband’s military career, she lived in various locations throughout the United States. Following his retirement as a chaplain in the Air Force, he served churches in the Western New York District of the United Methodist Church.
The Richards moved to Tyrone in 1987 and for many years, wintered in Weslaco, Texas.
Funeral service for A. Bess Richards will be Saturday, March 6, 2004 at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church with Rev. Charles A. Fitzgerald and Chaplain Joan Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Williams Cemetery, Worth Township, Centre County.
Friends may call at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc. on Friday from 3-6 p.m.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 1200 Logan Avenue, Tyrone, PA 16686 or to Martha United Methodist Church, Julian.

By Rick