Iva Florine "Flo" Richner, 76, of Bellefonte, died Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center, State College.
She was born October 22, 1933 in Petersburg, a daughter of the late Thomas Henry and Belva Stricker Franklin.
On March 17, 1956 she married Harry G. Richner who survives at home.
Flo was a gifted seamstress who worked for Marrara's Cleaners, in both Bellefonte and State College, for many years. She was also talented in upholstery skills. She was most widely known for her ability to create and decorate perfectly detailed cakes and wedding cakes, using pictures or models. All her baking was done from scratch, and she created her own molds for baking. She devoted countless hours to baking specialty cakes which she often donated to be sold as fund raisers. Above all other talents Flo shared, the most remarkable was her love and care for her grandchildren.
She is survived by a daughter, Tammy R. Connelly (Mike) of Pleasant Gap; three sons, Michael D. Richner (Beth) of Bellefonte, Randy L. Richner (Joanne) Hublersburg, and Greg L. Richner (Rona) of Bellefonte; six grandchildren Sean, Mykhala, Matthew, Cody, Beth and Ryan; and two great grandchildren Morgan and Brayden; three sisters, Colleen Cramer of Lewsitown, Shirley Flood of Maryland, and Mona McCabe of Huntingdon, PA; and two brothers, Thomas Franklin Jr. of Tennessee, and Benjamin Franklin.
Three siblings, Duane Franklin, Mercedes Wyland and Ray Franklin preceded her in death.
At her request there will be no public visitation, and her services will be private at the convenience of the family. A celebration of her life will be held at a time and place to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to The American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington DC 20004; or Disabled Veteran's National Foundation, P. O. Box 9664, Washington, DC 20090-6648
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com