Francis Melbourn (Mel) Richins passed peacefully from this life on September 1, 2024, at the age of 90.
Mel was born to Marland and Gladys Ward Richins on April 19, 1934, in Virden, New Mexico. His mother died when he was three years old, leaving his father and four older siblings (mostly his 11-year-old sister Caralee) to raise him. Mel started school in Virden, New Mexico, then moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, when his father remarried, where he spent the next five years. His wise father sent him back to Virden when he was in the sixth grade, where he was raised and loved by his Aunt Blanche and Uncle Monroe Anderson and the good folks of Virden. He gained his love for agriculture while working on the farms of his older brothers, Adrian and Ward, who also served as father figures to him.
Mel graduated from Virden High School in 1953, then enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Fort Bliss where he trained as a forward observer for an artillery unit.
In 1955, Mel met the love of his life Elizabeth (Beth) Auguste Barlow. He proposed to her at her Senior Prom, and they were married on December 4, 1955. Mel and Beth made their home in Duncan, Arizona, where he pursued his love of farming. For the next 20 years, they farmed in the Duncan Valley, raising mostly grain, cotton and kids. They were blessed with three sons: Roy, Russ, and Rick; and a daughter, Rhonda. The kids grew up knowing the love of their parents and grandparents and learning to work and play hard. The family was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were sealed as an eternal family in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1965. Mel served in various church callings over the years and was a beloved neighbor and friend to many.
After twenty years of farming, Mel and Beth moved to Animas, New Mexico, where Mel went to work for Phelps Dodge in Playas and retired from there after almost 20 years. He continued to farm on the side, teaching his grandchildren the joy of agriculture and work. He helped his grandsons raise successful watermelon and chili crops, which funded their missions for the church.
Mel and Beth served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois, which was a highlight of their lives. Shortly thereafter, Beth passed in 2001. His heart began to heal when he married Jan Claridge Choate in 2004. They enjoyed 20 years together in their home in Cotton City, where he kept a beautiful yard, a big garden, fruit trees and a flock of chickens until his 90th year. He and Jan had the opportunity to serve in the Gila Valley Temple, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Mel loved life, his family, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a great example of humility and gratitude. He always had a positive attitude, despite the challenges in his life. His favorite saying was: “I’ve been blessed all my life!”
Mel was preceded in death by: his parents; all his siblings; his wife, Beth; his daughter, Rhonda Barrick; a granddaughter, Cassandra Richins; and a grandson, Tyrone Whetten. Mel is survived by: his wife, Jan; his sons Roy (Charity), of Safford, Russ (Melody), of Animas, New Mexico, Rick (Diane), of Nutrioso, Arizona; and a son-in-law, Tom Barrick (Tracey) of Tucson, Arizona; fourteen grandchildren and fifty great-grandchildren. He is also greatly loved by: his wife Jan’s children, Susi, of Wickenburg, Arizona, Del (deceased) (Beverly), of Tucumcari, New Mexico, Brett (deceased), of Pie Town, New Mexico, Shawn, of Animas, New Mexico, Ric (Melissa), of Virden, New Mexico and Kyle
(Shannon), of Chino Valley, Arizona; along with her twelve grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mel will be conducted Saturday morning, September 14, 2024, at the Duncan Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 10:00 a.m. (MST-Arizona). Concluding services will follow in the Virden Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday morning, September 14, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. (MST-Arizona), at the Duncan Stake Center Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
