Harvena S Richards

AVILLA — Harvena Sue Richards, 82, of Avilla, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Kendallville Manor Nursing Home in Kendallville.  She was born on Sept. 8, 1942, in LaGrange, Indiana, to William and Dorothy (Meyer) Draper.  On July 6, 1962, in LaGrange County, she married James Richards.

Harvena was employed by the Avilla Branch of the Noble County Public Library, where she retired after 40 years of service.  She volunteered her time to many organizations, often reading to children or residents at Sacred Heart Home in Avilla.  She was a lifetime member of Lakeview Wildwood Community Church. She completed the required classes to become ordained and led services for her church family.

Harvena is survived by her husband of 63 years, James Richards, of Avilla; son, Jeffery (Cynthia) Richards, of Auburn; and sisters, Joy Draper, Nancy Draper, Jane Jensen and Mary Jo Chaney. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, James Jr., in 1997; daughter, Edie Richards in 2021; brother, William Draper; and sister, Dorothy Pope.

A gathering celebrating Harvena’s life will be held at the Dallas Lake Park Lodge, 505 W 700 S, Wolcottville, IN, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:30am until 3:00pm.

Contributions may be directed to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana at https://www.cancer-services.org/product/donate in memory of Harvena Richards.

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