HEATH: A funeral service celebrating the life of Kay W. Rickard, 77, of Heath, formerly of Waynesburg, PA will be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2014 in the Newark Chapel of Vensil & Chute Funeral Home with Pastor David Warner officiating.

Mrs. Rickard passed away Sunday, April 6, 2014 at Flint Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation in Newark.   She was born January 21, 1937 in Waynesburg, PA to the late Jacob Leroy and Amy Belle (Higgins) Wheeler.  A bookkeeper and homemaker, Kay loved gardening, painting, baking cakes, sewing and shopping. She had also been a caretaker of several family members through the years.

Survived by her children, James J. Rickard of Mt. Morris, PA, Robert B. (Quinea) Rickard of Heath, and George A. Rickard of Waynesburg, PA; step-children, John F. (Patty) Rickard of Chesapeake, VA and Debbie L. Johnson of Hatsboro, PA; grandchildren, Roxanne M. (Keith) Smith,  Jacob A. (Shena) Rickard, Jacob L. (Samantha) Rickard; and Michael A. Rickard, Sr.; great-grandchildren, Anthony Rickard, Ayden Rickard, Lilly Rickard, Michael Rickard, Jr., and Ariana Rickard; and her special cousin, Norma Jean West.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James John Rickard in 1992.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at VENSIL & CHUTE FUNERAL HOME, 1850 W. Main St., Newark.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marne United Methodist Church or Generations Hospice; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.