Cleora Anderson Richins

Cleora Anderson Richins passed away peacefully on April 23, 2014, at her daughter's home in Pocatello.

Cleora was born in her grandmother's home in Albion, Idaho, on March 9, 1926, to Beldon Mouritz Anderson and Gladys Marcia Asher Anderson. She grew up in Declo, Idaho, graduating from Declo High School Class of 1944. She was an outstanding student and involved in many activities including cheerleading, drama and school government. After high school, she graduated from Albion State Normal with a lifetime Teaching Certificate.

During a 10-day military furlough, Cleora married Austin Richins on April 27, 1945, in the Salt Lake Temple. While he continued his service in WWII, she resided with her parents in Pocatello and began teaching at Irving Junior High School. After Austin's military discharge, they established residence in Pocatello with Cleora teaching at the new Alameda Junior High School. When children arrived, she retired from full-time work and taught private kindergarten in her home for 20 years, and eventually completed her teaching career as a substitute teacher in School District No. 25.

Cleora was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has filled many callings: Stake Relief Society President, Stake YW Camp Director, Primary and Sunday School teacher and supporting her husband in his leadership callings. As companions, Austin and Cleora served in the Philippines Quezon City Mission and the Idaho Pocatello Mission. Cleora was a loving caregiver for Austin in his declining years until his passing on November 7, 2012.

Cleora enjoyed reading, working puzzles and playing games. She and Austin spent many happy years sharing their cabin at Island Park with family and friends.

Cleora is survived by five children: Marcia (Roger) Gridley (SLC); Ronald (Nyla Booth) Richins (Minnesota); Rebecca (Kyle) Anderson (Pocatello); Karl (JoLynda Stillman) Richins (SLC); and Patricia (Rob) Boyd (Pocatello) and one sister: Verda Gayle (David) Lusk (Idaho Falls). She is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 59 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three brothers: Otto Asher Anderson, Leo Beldon Anderson, Ronald Jay Anderson, and two sisters: Naoma Orton and Barbara Smith, and grandson, John Austin Gridley.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Apr. 29, at the LDS Highland Stake Center (Butte and Satterfield) with Bishop Rdale Price conducting. Family will meet with friends and relatives from 6:00-8:00 PM on Monday, April 28, at the Wilks Funeral Home at 211 West Chubbuck Road and also from 10:00 to 10:45 at the church prior to services. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.