Richard R. Mumma

The Essence of Richard.. Richard R. Mumma, 59, died in his home on Valentine's Day. Born on his grandparent's farm in Hahnstown, he was the son of Reuben S. and Ella Mae Witman Mumma. Richard was a 1960 graduate of Ephrata High School and McCann's School of Business, Reading, with additional studies at Penn State University and Marywood College, Scranton. Known for his love of music, he played piano for churches, nursing homes and his own enjoyment with special fondness for "American" composers Gershwin, Cole Porter, Scott Joplin, Aaron Copeland and Steven Sondheim. He also enjoyed hymns and spirituals. He previously sang in the Cloister Chorus, Franconia Singers and his church choir. His livelihood was entwined with Xtra Factors, now X F Enterprises, of Ephrata. His 37 year career began as bookkeeper, then company controller and secretary-treasurer of the Board. He was a partner in the firm at the time of his death. Richard became the conscience of XF as it grew from a small, Ephrata-based plant into an animal nutrition agribusiness of international scope. He believed that employees were the company's greatest asset; so throughout his career, he mentored young people on the job. In all areas of life he practiced "The Golden Rule". Richard was married and devoted to Brenda Ann Sprecher Mumma for 33 years. Together they supported many community organizations and projects and were members of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kissel Hill. His 14 year battle with I.T.P. is a testimonial of a committed physician, comprehensive health care and strong positive attitudes and beliefs. Brenrich, Mumma's home, was developed off of an old Lancaster County farmsite. Over 10,000 daffodils bloom each spring because Richard wanted to make the earth beautiful again. A believer in hard work and self-sufficiencey, he was a supporter of Heifer International and their "Cows of Peace" project, an effort of American Agriculture to further worldwide peace. It is requested that rather than flowers, remember Richard with a contribution to Heifer International, 1015 Louisiana Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. In addition to his wife there are 2 brothers surviving, Kenneth and LeRoy Mumma, both of Denver, PA. Services... Richard's memorial celebration will be held on Monday, February 18, 2002, at 5:30 PM from The Chapel in the Saal of The Ephrata Cloister, West Main Street, Ephrata, PA, with The Reverend Irvin Straw and Chaplain Ross Beighley officiating. Private inurnment will be held in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Adamstown, PA.