Obituaries

Beatrice Irene (Richman) Hargrave

November 8, 1936 - July 28, 2026

A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 8th in Sharptown Methodist Cemetery, 24 Church St., Pilesgrove, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity supporting equestrian programs, Gun Owners of America, Hospice organizations or another organization meaningful to Rene’s family. Please visit htlaytonfh.com to leave a note of condolence to Rene’s family. Arrangements are by the H.T. Layton Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Woodstown.

Beatrice Irene (Richman) Hargrave, affectionately known to family and friends as Rene or Irene, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 at the age of 89.

Born on November 8, 1936, in Woodbury, New Jersey, Rene was the daughter of the late Charles d. Richman Sr. and Marjorie S. (Green) Richman. On August 20, 1960, she married James D. Hargrave at the Friends Meeting in Woodstown, New Jersey, where they built a life centered on family, education, and community. Rene was fiercely protective of her family and farm and would fight tooth and nail to protect them. She was a crack shot and always had her riding crop handy.

Rene graduated from Woodstown High School before continuing her education at Southern Seminary College and later Michigan State University. As a young woman, she worked at the family business, Richman’s Ice Cream Company, before beginning her career as a high school teacher. During her years in education, she taught in the Clayton, Penns Grove, and Clearview school districts, where she positively influenced the lives of countless students.

A lifelong horse enthusiast, Rene devoted many years to the Salem County 4-H Horse Program, mentoring young riders and sharing her passion for horsemanship. She was also a proud member of the Oak Tree Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was also a member of the Baronial Order of Magna Charta and The Colonial Dames of America.

Known for her intelligence, independence, and determination, Rene was a memorable presence in the Woodstown community. Friends and neighbors fondly recall seeing her driving her pickup truck with a broomstick sticking up out of the back—a familiar sight that perfectly reflected her practical nature and unique character.

Rene was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Carol S. Richman; and her brother, Charles d. Richman Jr.

In addition to her husband, Jim, she is survived by her sister, Susan G. Allen and nephew Charles Allen; her children, Dr. Douglas Hargrave and wife Megan, Roger Hargrave, and Marjorie (Hargrave) Daniels and husband Jeffrey; and her cherished grandchildren, Hannah Hargrave, Katherine Hargrave, Caroline Daniels, and James Daniels, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Rene will be remembered for her unwavering strength, love of horses, and devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her teaching, mentoring, and enduring example of perseverance and kindness.