Maurine (Hansen) Richards, age 88, passed away peacefully September 3, 2020, in Mesa Arizona. She was born in Joseph City, Arizona on January 3, 1932, to John Harvey Hansen and Pauline Peterson. She graduated from Holbrook High School in 1949 and attended Arizona State College (now ASU) where she met her eternal companion, Fred Richards. They were married in the Arizona Temple June 11, 1952, and moved to Safford as their permanent home where they raised her seven children.
Maurine was an accomplished seamstress and made most of her clothes since she was a teenager. She taught all her children how to sew (including the boys) and to be self-sufficient including cooking, gardening and canning. She handled the home finances, and nobody could stretch a penny further than her. Above all, she loved children. In addition to raising her own seven children, she was “mom” to many more.
She was active in church her entire life, serving in the primary, the Young Women’s camp committee, and in the library. In 1998, she served with her husband in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Virginia Richmond mission.
She truly led a simple, Christ-like life; she loved everyone, never spoke ill of others, and never complained despite enduring several physical challenges and having severe hearing loss. She is loved by all and will be greatly missed. The heavens have truly gained another angel.
Maurine is survived by: her husband of 68 years, Fred Richards; siblings, Boyd Hansen, Doris Hunsaker and Kathleen Cooper; her seven children, Alan, Keith, Gary, Marcia (Hardison), Marvin, David and Carol (Miller); 30 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Maurine’s family asks to please make donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary fund, or to the Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT.
Funeral services for Maurine will be conducted Saturday morning, September 12, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., at Vining Funeral Home’s “Chapel of the Valley.” Concluding services will follow in the Central Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday morning, September 12, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m., also at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
