Sylvia Anne Barnes Richard, 93, of Wyoming passed away Saturday evening at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.

She was born in Exeter, the daughter of the late Willis Barnes and Anna Singleman Barnes.  Sylvia was

the Valedictorian of the West Pittston High School Class of 1948.  She then attended Juniata College,

Huntingdon, where she majored in Psychology and Sociology and in 1952 graduated with honors.

While at Juniata, she met her future husband, Robert E. Richard.

Sylvia dedicated her life to her family, friends, community and faith. She was a devoted and beloved

daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church,

West Pittston, where she was an active volunteer, belonging to Class 18. She volunteered as an election

poll worker, for the American Red Cross blood drives as well many other community charitable organizations, always willing to help others.

Her passions included domestic and international travel as well as her annual summer excursion with

her brother to Ocean Grove, NJ. She loved the Philharmonic as well as live theater. She also enjoyed

playing bridge with friends and playing Scrabble and Apples to Apples with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Richard in 1982, and her

brother, Dr. David Barnes in 2011.

Sylvia is survived by her son, Dr. David Richard and his wife Dr. Judith Stranko-Richard, of Harrisburg, PA

and her daughter Lynn Prentice and husband Raymond Prentice of Star, ID. She is also survived by three

grandchildren, Dr. Barrett Richard, Dr. Jared Richard and Kyle Prentice. Additionally, she is survived by

her brother Dr. Willis C. Barnes, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, February 16 th from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm,

at the First United Methodist Church, 408 Wyoming Ave., West Pittston.   A Service will be held at Noon at the Church with the Rev. Rebecca Barnes, Officiating. Interment will be private in Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Wyoming.

Arrangements are being made by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston.

Online Condolences can be left at their website: howelllussi.com. I

n lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First United Methodist Church, 408 Wyoming Ave., West Pittston, PA 18643.