Ida R. Bower

Ida R. Bower, age 90, formerly of E. Eighth Street, Bloomsburg, died Friday, February 27, 2015 at Emeritus At Bloomsburg, in Scott Township, where she resided for three years.

Born in Brandonville, Schuylkill County on July 28, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd E. and Caroline (Brenner) Richenderfer. She resided in Bloomsburg since 1940 and previously in Brandonville. She was a 1942 graduate of Bloomsburg High School.

Ida was employed as a cafeteria worker in the Bloomsburg School District for 18 years,  retiring in 1982.

She was a faithful, active member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Bloomsburg, where she participated in many activities. Ida loved to sing and was a member of the Sacred Choral, the Bicentennial Choir and also her church choir.

Ida was a member of Bloomsburg Chapter 279, Order of Eastern Star  where she was a Past Worthy Matron and longtime secretary. She also was a former District Deputy.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, James C. Bower, on July 5, 1990; by a sister, Florence L. McBride; and by four brothers: Hervey L. Richenderfer; James H. Richenderfer; Reber E. Richenderfer; and Raymond W. Richenderfer.

Ida is survived by four children: Mary Ellen, wife of Dennis Richart, Bloomsburg; Richard J. Bower, and his wife Janet, Mt. Bethel;  Thomas A. Bower, Ava, Mo.; Janice L., wife of Gary L. Peak, Bloomsburg; seven grandchildren: Brian Richart, and his wife Olivia; Brenda, wife of Brent Harmon; Jonathan Bower; Adam Bower: Christopher Peak, and his wife Maggie; Brandon Peak, and his wife Danelle; James Bower; 12 great-grandchildren:  Kaleb, Natalia, Dallas, Cash, Reese, Brady, Lily, Sophia, Michaela, Naomi, Miles,  and  Andy.

Also surviving are four siblings: Fred A. Richenderfer, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Walter F. Richenderfer, and his wife Jean, Millville; Marie R. Knittle, Kendall, N.Y.; Joseph L. Richenderfer, and his wife Geraldine; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 2 p. m. in the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg, with her pastor, Audrey M. Brosious officiating. Interment in Elan Memorial Park, Lime Ridge. Viewing will be on Tuesday from 6-8 p. m. with Eastern Star Memorial Services at 7:30 p. m.

The family will provide flowers. Memorials may be sent to AGAPE, 19 E. Seventh St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.