Neva J (Gantt) Richard

Neva J. Richard, 81, passed away surrounded by her family at her home in Newport on Saturday, March 25, 2023. She was born November 23, 1941 to the late Basil and Carrie (Fosselman) Gantt. 

Neva is survived by her high school sweetheart and loving husband Jack Richard Sr. with whom she would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on July 20th this year. She is also survived by her daughter, Katie (Tony) Calderone of Lancaster and son, Jack Jr. (Karen) of Elliottsburg and grandchildren Eliza, Bella, Sophia, Nick, and Frank and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Terry Gantt and grandson, Jonah Richard.

After graduating from Perry Joint High School in 1959, she worked in Harrisburg for Blue Cross Blue Shield. She opened a salon in her home where she enjoyed styling hair and talking with clients who quickly became her friends. Neva also worked as a nurse’s aide at Perry Village where she enjoyed caring for the residents.  

Neva’s generosity, kind heart, and work ethic made a positive impact on countless lives. As a lifelong resident, she was proud to call Perry County her home and was a dedicated community volunteer. Neva was known to visit any friend in need with a treat in hand. For 25 years she delivered meals on wheels. She served as the Judge of Elections for Juniata township. She was a faithful servant at Hilltop Christian Church where she enjoyed many outreach activities, especially the live drive-thru Christmas Nativity. Neva was first in line to volunteer her time with Oliver Grange and was known to bake as many as 20 pies in a day for the Perry County Fair Oliver Grange stand. She was also a member of Eastern Stars. She was an avid gardener and took great pride in her flowers and vegetables, often winning blue ribbons at the Fair.

Neva treasured spending time with those she loved. She hosted Sunday night dinner every week to gather her family. Anyone was welcome to come, and she was sure to fill your belly and make you laugh with her silly antics. She enjoyed taking family to see shows at American Music Theater and Sight and Sound. She looked forward to bus trips to the Big Apple to see Broadway Shows and especially enjoyed seeing the Rockettes. Ocean City Maryland with family was a favorite summer destination.

She was a nurturing caretaker to her children, grandchildren, and many nieces, and nephews. They were the joy of her life. Whether in the stands for a game or the audience for a performance, Neva was a devoted supporter of her grandchildren in their many events and life endeavors.

She was dearly loved and will be missed greatly.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday at Hilltop Christian Church, 721 Hillcrest Dr. Newport, PA with Pastor Jim Penica officiating. A viewing will be held from 1-2PM followed by a service at 2PM on Sunday, April 2, 2023. Burial will follow in the Wila Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hilltop Christian Church or the Oliver Grange 1069 ℅ Jerry Gabel 1651 Oak Hall Road Newport, PA 17074.

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