Karen Richins

Karen Garfield Richins passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family June 19, 2009 at her home in American Fork, Utah. She was born January 28, 1944 in Coalville, Utah to Ralph L. and Loraine Brooks Garfield. Karen graduated from North Summit High School in 1962. She married David A. Richins February 23, 1963 in Hoytsville, Utah. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she blessed the lives of many through her faithful service in the Primary, Young Women's, and Relief Society Auxiliaries. After rearing her children, she was called as a Service Missionary and served as a hostess at the Relief Society and Church Office Buildings. She also was a temple worker in the Mount Timpanogos Temple.

Karen was an active member of her community serving as a 4-H Leader for various groups. She volunteered countless hours working in the North Summit Little League Basketball Program. She was instrumental in launching the first ever girls' basketball program for the North Summit Little League. She served as President of the North Summit PTA.

Karen's heart and home were always open to friends and family. She was a fun loving person a�" known to start water fights in the neighborhood. Her genuine love of people and fun-loving nature drew others to her. Her greatest love was her family and her grandchildren whom she affectionately called her "Little Buddies" and her "Tiny Girls".

She loved to travel and looked forward to her family's annual summer trek to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Karen enjoyed nature, animals, and bird watching. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her example of faith, grace and strength during her six year battle with Multiple Myeloma inspired her family and friends.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, David; her four children: Heidi, Terence, Chrisann (Packard) Toelupe, and Jennifer (Antonio) Neyra; and her five grandchildren: Christian, Micah, and Gabriel Toelupe; Alexia and Savanna Neyra. She is also survived by her sister, Linda (LeRoy) Grant; two brothers Kent (Linda) Garfield, and Kerry (Marla) Garfield; brothers-in-law, Basil Beech, Michael (Barbara) Richins; sisters-in-law Bev Richins, Fay Richins and Ruth Richins; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Loraine Garfield; parents-in-law, Hatch and Tillie Richins; sister-in-law Joy Beech; brothers-in-law Rick Richins, Frank Richins, & Richard Richins; a niece, Laurel Ann Garfield; and a nephew, Jimmy Garfield.

A viewing will be held on Friday, June 26, from 6 a�" 8 PM and Saturday, June 27, from 9:30 a�" 10:30 AM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 27 at 11 AM. All services will be held at the Manila Stake Center 950 E 850 N, American Fork, Utah, which is located north of the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Interment will be at the Coalville Cemetery.

Send condolences to the family at www.walker-mortuary.com