Beverly Elaine Rishel

1933 - 2016

Beverly Elaine Rishel, 82, of Rishel Lane, Benezette, died unexpectedly Monday, Sept. 5, 2016 at Penn Highlands DuBois.
She was born Sept. 13, 1933 on Gray Hill, Jay Township, daughter of the late Charles and LaJune (Sexton) Larkin.
She married Warren Dill Gallagher in 1954 and he preceded her in death in 1971. She married Ronald Rishel on July 26, 1974 and he survives.
A graduate of Benezette High School, Beverly worked at the Metal Wire Recovery Corporation plant in Driftwood and Stackpole Carbon of St. Marys in her younger years. As a homemaker, she was kept busy with seven children in the course of eight years. She still found time to enjoy her home, flower garden and spoil her children with homemade cakes, pies, cookies and her famous homemade ice cream. After marrying Ronald, they began Rishel Lumber where she served as part-owner and secretary from 1973 until 2002 when they sold the business. Beverly loved all her children and especially loved having them gathered around her. She was very generous, giving and enjoyed helping her family. For many years, Beverly had a traditional Easter egg hunt which was the highlight for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The tradition is still carried on today.
She was a member of Benezette United Methodist Church and active with the Benezette Community Hall, and lived all her life in Bennetts Valley.
In addition to her husband, Ronald Rishel of Benezette, she is survived by seven children, Debra (Jim) Smith of Reynoldsville, Duane "Kevin" Gallagher of Benezette, Brenda Maholtz of Benezette, Michele (Randy) Ashby of Amity, Connie (Fred) Silver of Saltsburg, Linda Gallagher of Benezette and Michael (Tanya) Gallagher of Benezette; four stepchildren, Donna Rishel of Trenton, Missouri, Jane (Francis) Dorr of Indiana, Robin (John) Hayes of Caledonia and Dale Rishel of Driggs, Idaho; 22 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack Larkin of Niceville, Florida; three sisters, Joanne Bienz of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Darlene Gaborek of Benezette and Judy (Harry) McGarry of Curwensville.
In addition to her parents and first husband, Warren Dill Gallagher, she was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Curtis Cooter Maholtz; four brothers, Charles, David, Robert and Richard Larkin; and three sisters, Marlene Murphy, Joyce Milkovich and Betty Showers.
Funeral services for Beverly Elaine Rishel will be held Friday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Ralph M. Geer Funeral Home, Penfield, with Reverend Luther Nelson Sr. and Reverend Lola J. Turnbull officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Benezette.
Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 8 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 9 from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials to the Bennetts Valley Ambulance and will be accepting online condolences at www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com.