Liana R (Rollins) Richins

Liana Rollins Richins, beloved daughter of James Loraine and Afton Larene Pickett Rollins, and the sweetheart of Darrow E. Richins, Jr. peacefully passed into our Heavenly Father’s presence on November 19, 2020. 

Liana was born July 9, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She was a happy, beautiful red-headed girl who spent her childhood years in Evanston, WY, Pocatello, ID, and eventually Salt Lake City, UT.  She was the middle child and the only daughter to grow up among brothers Neil, Vance, Rae, and Newell. 

She faithfully served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the West Mexico Mission where she developed a deep love for the gospel and the people she was serving.  She had many fond experiences while serving there and forged friendships that would last throughout her life. It was while serving there that she first met her future spouse, Darrow E. Richins, Jr. who was also serving in the same mission.  Upon returning home from Mexico, Darrow and Liana courted as she attended the University of Utah and they were later married for time and all eternity on August 25, 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple. 

Liana and Darrow (also affectionately known as Buddy) were blessed with their four greatest treasures; Ginger, Reed, Chad, and Kim Richins. Liana was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her family dearly and faithfully served them and the Lord in many church callings. She found great joy in serving others despite the devastating physical disabilities that accompanied her diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.  She had a fervent testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and never hesitated sharing the gospel with others.   She loved making various crafts to give to her family and was well known for the personalized cards that she would create for different occasions. 

Liana is survived by her husband of 54 years, Darrow E. Richins, Jr. (Buddy); her children Ginger (Richard) O’Gaffney, Reed Richins, Chad (Debra) Richins, and Kim (Elisia) Richins; twelve grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brothers Vance and Newell Rollins and is preceded in death by her parents James and Afton Pickett, and brothers Neil and Rae Rollins.

Liana was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed.  We will fondly think of her each time we enjoy a bit of chocolate.   She left this life with an undeniable testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We say goodbye for now, but not forever.

Funeral services will be held on December 4, 2020 at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2740 S. Lindsay Road Gilbert, Arizona.  A viewing will precede the services from 9:30am to 10:30am.   

A small graveside service will be held on December 5, 2020, at 11:00am at the Busy Bee Cemetery in Cotton City, NM. 

As a safety precaution, we ask that attendees wear masks and observe social distancing protocols. 

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral services can be viewed live at the link below: 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ4ml2xC1znAExQtywQDj9w

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