E. Nita Richard

E. Nita Richard, 89, formerly of Fredericksburg, passed away in her sleep on January 25, 2011 at Spang Crest Manor, Lebanon. Born in Reading on October 23, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Elmer Saul and Kathryn S. Gingrich Richard. Nita was a 1939 graduate of Fredericksburg High School and a 1941 graduate of Barr's Business College of Lebanon, PA. She was a dedicated employee of New Penn Motor Express Company for 39 years where she served as both bookkeeper and chief finance officer of the trucking cargo division. Throughout her life, Nita was extremely zealous as she assumed a variety of duties in her home church of St. John's Lutheran Church of Fredericksburg. She served as a Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, and Luther League advisor. Nita frequently researched, wrote and orchestrated Christmas, Easter and other special programs for the youth of her church. She accompanied several groups of Luther Leaguers from the county to conferences ranging from Florida to Texas. She also served as the very first Altar Preparation assistant to former Reverend D. A. Steward, before an altar guild existed. She was the president of the Lutheran Church Women for two terms as well as its treasurer for one term. Most recently, she served as treasurer of St. John's Lutheran Church. Nita also enjoyed singing in the church choir and attending synod meetings as the official voting delegate for St. John's Lutheran Church. Nita's involvement and dedication to her community was reflected in the myriad of activities she was a part of throughout her life. She served for 32 years as the president and cook for the Fredericksburg Fire Company Auxiliary Association. She also was a charter member of the Penn Laurel Girl Scout Council, dedicating 35 years of her life to Girl Scout Troop #22 as its leader and director. She was instrumental in the planning and funding of the Kathryn G. Richard Memorial Library of Fredericksburg. She enjoyed participating in the Fredericksburg Community Rummage sale, and also in the annual Hinkelfest celebrations. She also served as judge of election in Fredericksburg, for 35 years. Surviving is a devoted sister Mary Ann Hernley of Lebanon; six nephews Michael, Mark, Rodney, and Robbie Richard, Shawn Hernley, and Dale Richard, Jr.; nine nieces Rita Christ, Kathy Meyer, Jean Darkes, Judy Orasky, Carmelle Hernley, Marsha Wisler, Michelle Bateman, Melinda Tate, and Heather Sharer. She was preceded in death by a sister June Matthews, and three brothers Dale, Lynn, and J. Glenn Richard and a niece Wanda Hernley. Funeral services will be held on Monday January 31, 2011 at 10AM from the St. John’s Lutheran Church 3050 S. Pine Grove St. Fredericksburg, PA 17026. Interment will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg. Viewing will be held on Sunday from 3-5 PM at the Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home & Crematory Rt. 72 and Camp Meeting Road Jonestown, PA 17038 and one prior to the service on Monday at the church. Contributions may be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church. PDF Printable Version

E. Nita Richard

October 23, 1921 - January 25, 2011