Betty & Delver Richards Honored

Pictured left to right: Ohio Department on Aging Director Joan Lawrence,
Delver and Betty Richards and First Lady Hope Taft.

Each year Ohio’s First Lady Hope Taft honors couples who have been married for approximately fifty years and volunteers in the community together. This year from District 7 Betty and Delver Richards of Jackson, Ohio, were honored by First Lady Hope Taft at the annual Joined Hearts in Giving celebration at the Governor’s Residence. The Richards were one of thirty-two Ohio couples that were honored.

The Richards are active throughout each week as Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson. Many of their volunteer activities center around the church’s Caring and Sharing Mission Outreach programs, such as the Shoebox Ministries for children in third world countries, the local food pantry and “The Clothesline” (clothing outlet).

Mrs. Richards has been a RSVP volunteer for five years and is actively involved in the “Grandpals” program sponsored by RSVP of Gallia, Jackson, and Vinton counties. As an officer in the Jackson Mother’s Club, she helps guide the organization in its mission to focus on programs and services for the youth of the community.

Mr. Riachards is a 30-year member of his church choir. Along with his volunteer church activities, he takes his love of music to nursing homes, senior centers, etc. Playing his guitar and singing solo or with others in a band, he is called on regularly to entertain older adults. Many times that entertainment also includes calling hoe-down square dances which he has done most of his adult life.

Betty and Delver Richards were honored because they actively but quietly served their community by volunteering their time, energy, and money to meet the needs of and bring enjoyment to others. Their volunteer activities have spanned the generations, and the globe. They ask for nothing in return for their service and they continue to maintain a commitment to staying active and helping others for as long as possible.

Executive Director Pamela K. Matura said, “This couple has brought joy to many people; their work in the church, those in nursing homes, children in the Grandpal program, and more. It is wonderful that this couple gives so much of themselves.”