George E. Vanriper Iii

Rev. George E. VanRiper III, 88, of Washington, died on February 11, 2023, in his home. He was born on July 25, 1934, in Sunbury, PA, a son of the late George E. Van Riper, Jr. and May Amy VanRiper. Rev. VanRiper earned an Associate Degree in Theology from Easter Bible Institute and Zion Bible Institute. He was a member of Trinity Bible Fellowship. Rev. VanRiper retired as Pastor at “the Lighthouse”, where he had been the founder of the bible school. His passion and calling in life was to help others, in whatever ways he could. He and Nadine spent a month in 1976 on a mission trip to India, helping those in need. George started and co-hosted The Beam of Hope, which is a radio ministry and television show of prayer and praise, featuring Southern and Traditional Gospel Music as well as Hymns of the Christian faith. He and his wife recorded over twenty Gospel albums together. A skilled craftsman, George was very accomplished at wood building, wood working, and cabinetry and furniture making. He also enjoyed gardening, golfing and sports, especially University of Pittsburgh, Penn State and Notre Dame sports. On May 29, 1955, he married the love of his life, Reba “Nadine” Bennett, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Nevin G. VanRiper, of Washington and Calvin “Scot” (Wendy L.) VanRiper, of Washington; four sisters, Joyce (the late Donald) Long, Barbara (the late Bryan) Hollenbaugh, Cheryl (the late Chuck) Mitchell, and Holly (George) Garancosky; seven grandchildren, Celina (Nicole Fischer) VanRiper, Amanda (John) Bland, Calvin Scot (Sally) Van Riper II, Michael David (Marianne) VanRiper, Lindsay Paige VanRiper, Timothy Quinton VanRiper, and Joshua Thomas (Lily) VanRiper; nine great grandchildren, Mikiya, Navon, Gaige, Athena, Braedyn, Parker, Josie, Autumn and Solomon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Deceased are a son, Craig LaRue VanRiper; and two siblings, Louise Botto, and William “Bill” VanRiper. Friends and family are welcome on Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the time of service, in Trinity Bible Fellowship, 1350 Park Ave., Washington, with Rev. Dr. Michael Roach officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.