Donna Hall Richens

Donna Hall Richens, age 74, passed away June 27, 2015 in Vernal, Utah. She was the third child born to Philip Ray and Thora Ashby Hall. At a young age, her Grandma Ashby taught her how to sew. This skill brought her many hours of enjoyment and blessed the lives of her family as she made doll clothes, baby blankets, welding hats, her childrens clothing, quilts, suit coats, prom dresses, and wedding dresses just to name a few. She loved to crochet and knit. Donna loved craft projects of all kinds, always adding her personal touch to each project. From her mother and aunts, Donna learned the importance of family gatherings. She spent many hours hosting those who she loved. She also passed along the family tradition of cooking homemade chicken noodles, homemade French Fries and a good scone to her children and grandchildren. Donna married the love of her life Charles Ray Richens Jr. on July 25, 1960. Together they spent nearly 55 years together building memories and a love for each other that will live through the eternities. Her favorite activities were anything that included family. Rodeos, camping, hunting, fishing, locating cows riding her four-wheeler on the range, long drives through the mountains to look for wildlife or the leaves changing color. She could also be found sitting on the bleachers of the many sporting events, music and dance activities that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in. One of her most important goals in life was that each of her family members felt they were loved and appreciated by her. Donnas professional career was highlighted by her many dedicated years serving as the Uintah County Treasurer. Donna was well respected by her peers as she served on many county and state wide delegations, including the Utah Association of Counties. She also served in many positions in the local Republican Party. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints she served in many positions in the following organizations; Young Womens, Scouting, Sunday School, Primary, Relief Society, and Young Marrieds. She had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and followed his example by serving those around her. She could often be found taking a meal to a friend in need, delivering a special package to let you know that you were in her thoughts or lending a listening ear. She was preceded in death by her son Hank Wayne Richens (deceased 1989), and her parents Philip and Thora Hall and sister-in-law Elaine Richens Hall. She leaves behind her husband, Charles Ray Richens, Jr., her 3 remaining children: Donnel (Shane) Whiting of Neola, Utah, Charles Ron (Juliann) Richens of Roosevelt, Utah, and Monica (Tyler) Hill of Vernal, Utah. This also includes her 14 grandchildren: Jesse (Tasha) Whiting, Brandon (Alyssa) Whiting, Nikki (Dirk) Olsen, Jenalee (Joe) Moynier, Benjamin Richens, Joshua (Josie) Richens, Katelynn Richens, Rachel Richens, Joseph Richens, Savannah Richens, Ashley Hill, Devin Hill, Alyssa Hill and Drayton Hill as well as 11 great-grandchildren: Kabryn Whiting, Stockton Whiting, Trey Whiting, Kelsyn Whiting, Brady Whiting, Brooke Whiting, Strayden Olsen, Ryder Olsen, Jexyn Olsen, Haylee Moynier and Rhett Moynier. She also leaves behind her siblings Dee (Alice) Hall, Ivan (Virginia) Hall, Vera (George) Murray, and Wanda (Norman) Larsen. Donna is also leaving behind her little black poodle, Mandy, who she has thoroughly enjoyed in the years since her retirement. She is deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew her including those who lovingly called her Grandma Donna. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ashley Measer LDS Chapel (2575 North 1500 West). Friends and family may call Tuesday evening from 6-8 at the Vernal Blackburn Mortuary and 1 hour before services at the church. Burial will be in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery. Services are entrusted to the care and directin of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. www.blackburnvernalmortuary.com