Richard Lavon Richins

Richard “Rich” Lavon Richins, 72, of Benjamin (formerly of Springville), passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by family, after courageously battling pancreatic cancer. Throughout his valiant fight he held steadfast in his faith, never complaining or giving up. He was and continues to be the foundation and beacon of hope for our family.

Rich was born on April 10, 1953, in Price, Utah, to Archie and Lamar Richins. He spent most of his childhood in Craig, Colorado. Later while attending college at BYU, he met his sweetheart, Cindy Vallentine. They were married August 7, 1976, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Salt Lake City Temple, for time and all eternity.

Our dad had many titles (Soulmate, Father, Grandpa, Brother, Hunting Buddy, Friend, Hero, Coach, Mentor, Problem Solver, Builder, and Fixer of Everything) and left a lasting mark on so many people. He loved helping others, always wanting to do so without drawing attention to himself. He received his Master of Education from BYU and taught Junior High for 31 years, the majority of which were at Springville Junior High. He was also a self-taught Spanish speaking ESL Driver’s Ed Instructor, always holding down two or more jobs so our mom could focus on raising us kids. After retiring in 2007, he then worked for the Driver’s License Division for 12 years. After his second retirement, the real work began as he fulfilled his dream with mom of owning their own small farm. Here they created their own version of Heaven on earth.

Dad loved spending time with family, always planning and looking forward to our next adventure. Camping, RVing, hunting, fishing, hiking, riding horses, falconry, playing cards and games, supporting his kids and grandkids in their activities, and extended family gatherings, were some of his favorite pastimes. Trips to Disneyland, San Diego, Bear Lake, Mountain Man Rendezvous, National and State Parks, were a few of the places he enjoyed most.

Rich is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Cindy; children: Dan (Tiffani), Ryan (Kara), Dustin (Savannah), Chelcie; 7 grandchildren: Holden, Makayla (Kyler), Treyden (Chelsea), Max, Paizlie, Archie, and Oliver; siblings: Jessie (Gary-deceased), Sherron (Gary), Chuck (brother-in-law), Debbie (Brad); In-laws; Dixie and Mike Davis, John and Jeanne Vallentine; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Lamar Richins; In-laws John and Bonnie Vallentine; siblings: Susan, Edward, and Bonnie.

Memorial services will be held Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Benjamin LDS Chapel located at 3238 West 7300 South, Spanish Fork, UT 84660. A viewing for friends and family will be held Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary located at 211 East 200 South in Springville, and on Monday from 9:30-10:30 at the Benjamin Chapel. Burial will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 South 400 East, Springville, UT 84663.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to

Revere Health Foundation Cancer Restricted Funds, to aide others battling cancer with treatment expenses.

Revere Health Foundation Cancer Restricted Funds Atten: Administration (cancer restricted funds)

1055 North 500 West

Provo, UT 84604

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.