Arlene R. Van Riper of Gilbertsville

Arlene R. (Buckwalter) Van Riper, 92, of Gilbertsville, PA, widow of Harry F. Van Riper Jr., died Tuesday September 18, 2018, at Pottstown Hospital.

Born in Trappe, PA, she was a daughter of the late Harvey T. and Naomi (Lehman) Buckwalter.

Mrs. Van Riper was a graduate of Spring City High School and was still attending her class reunions.

She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Spring City, and was a devoted Youth Sunday School Teacher. She was once an aide to Special Education for WEM SEC in Spring City for children with disabilities.

She was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. Mrs. Van Riper was active with the PTA at East Coventry School and was a teachers aid. She was also an assistant den mother and a 4-H club sewing leader. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed bowling in a league and belonged to the Silver Sneakers.

Surviving is one daughter, Lynda C., widow of Frank Sabo, Pottstown; one son Thomas H. Van Riper, Kenilworth; one sister, Esther wife of Nelson Wingert, Mechanicsburg; grandchildren, Angela L. wife of David Moyer; Alyssa L. wife of Michael Rice; Andrew L. Sabo; Ashley N., wife of Thomas Lapaglia, and Brandon C. Koch. Great Grandchildren, Joshua M. Rice; Nicholas A. Rice; Nathanial M. Rice; Cassidy A. Moyer; Lillian Jean Lapaglia; son in law Gary Koch husband of the late Nancy Jean Koch, Houston, TX; sister in law Catherine widow of Paul Buckwalter, Frederick; Sister in law, Ruth Virginia widow of Ray Buckwalter, OH; brother in law Galen husband of the late Beulah Oakes, OH; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, from Bethel United Methodist Church, 952 Bethel Church Road, Spring City. Officiating will be Reverend Jacqueline Hines. Burial will be in Limerick Garden of Memories, Limerick. There will be a viewing from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to TriCounty Hospice, 13 Armand Hammer Blvd., #201, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Arrangements are by the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, at 359 King St. in Pottstown, PA.

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