Kathryn Eileen (Girard) Richard,

92, of Sandyville, Ohio, passed away on September 30, 2024, surrounded by her family. The daughter of Carl and Gertrude (Craft) Girard, Kathryn was born in Middlebranch, Ohio on April 8, 1932. She graduated as valedictorian from Magnolia High School in 1950. She attended North Central Bible Institute (1951 – 1954) and then worked at Nationwide Insurance Company until her marriage in 1956. In addition to raising 4 children, she taught for several years at Waynesburg Elementary School and was a social worker in Stark County for nearly 20 years. Education was always important to Kathryn. She received her Bachelor's degree from Malone College in 1990, and she was especially proud of the educational accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband Harold Richard, Jr and her parents, as well as her five siblings: sister, Vivian Griffith and brothers, Nathaniel, James, Donald and Eugene Girard. She is survived by her four children: son, Hal (Janice) Richard III; son, Stephen (Mindy) Richard; daughter, Sara Brumbaugh and daughter, Melissa Karlovetz; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Kathryn was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved nature and spending time outdoors. Every year her children would compete to spot the first robin of the spring. Even after they were grown, they would call to let her know when they had spotted that first robin. An avid researcher, Katheryn had compiled a detailed history of the Girard and Craft families long before the internet made documents easily available. She loved children, especially her grandchildren. Later in life, Kathryn fought a long battle with dementia, but even then she adored seeing her great-grandchildren. Kathryn had a lifelong faith in God and loved singing the old hymns. She was a longtime member at Sandyville United Methodist Church.

A memorial service will be held on November 23 at 1:00 pm in the Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home, Ohio.  Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330)866-9425