Emma Richins

Our family felt a joyous reunion and a bittersweet parting with the passing of Emma Charlee Wood Richins.  Her 83 years were entirely devoted to her family, and we were truly blessed by all that love.

Emma lived the majority of her life in Henefer, but her heart was always in Arkansas.  Born February 18, 1939 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Eugene & Hettie Wood, Emma was the fourth of six children.   Emma’s family was among the first members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Emma remained a faithful and true member for her entire life.

Emma met the love of her life, Grant Richins, when she was 19 and he was serving in the military in nearby Fort Chaffee. She was leading the music in church when Grant first saw her, and he asked her out for a picnic that very day.  Emma and Grant fell in love within three months, and three years later after Grant’s military service and church mission were complete, on August 18, 1961 they married in the Salt Lake Temple.  They have been married for just over 60 years.

Emma and Grant welcomed four sons and one precious daughter to this world.  Emma cherished all of her children, and the whole family cherished their sweet Kimberly.  A most rare and beautiful soul, Kimberly was born with Trisomy 18.  Kimberly lived decades longer than expected, and we learned from Emma and Grant how to enjoy every moment.  Emma dedicated her entire life to serving Grant, Kimberly and her sons, then their wives and families.  Her example of sacrifice and selfless love, even though she thought it was a true joy, will inspire us for generations.

Her favorite things were Sundays with family, traveling as a family group, and any sporting event involving her kids or grandkids.  To her, they were all “wonderful.”  And she is certainly wonderful to us.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents Eugene & Hettie Wood, siblings Fran, Geri, Margaret, Raymond & Dana, and precious daughter Kimberly.  Her legacy will be honored by her husband Grant and their 4 sons and their wives, Tim & Vickie, Brett & Janny, Kelly & Susan, Courtney & Haley, in addition to 20 grandchildren, their spouses, and 13 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Henefer Church.  The funeral will be held Monday, April 18 at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing before the service at 9:30 a.m.

Interment will follow at Henefer Cemetery