Johanne Hovde Richins, 90, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, passed away May 4, 2023.
Johanne, also known as Lita by her friends, and Besta by her family, was born December 24, 1932 in Kristiansund, Norway to Ole and Helga Hovde, the youngest of five children. Lita met the love of her life, John Paul Richins in Germany, where they married and started their family. After leaving Germany they moved to Lehi, Utah where they raised their five children.
Growing up in Norway Lita enjoyed cross-country skiing and gymnastics. She was on the traveling gymnastic team as a teenager. She was very active and enjoyed all outdoor activities with her family. She loved being with her family and spent as much time as possible with them. She was a very social person, making friends quickly and keeping them in her heart, even those still in Norway.
Lita was preceded in death by her husband John, daughter Mary Ann McClain and great grandson John Scott Lowder.
Survived by her other four children, Jeannette Erdmann (Bob), Olav Richins (Teresa), Kristina Lowder (Dan) and Todd Richins (Heidi), 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren, her sister, Ruth Pederson, her special cousin Sonja Aareskjold, and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the wonderful family at Heritage Gardens of Springville for all their love and care, and the caregivers from Bristol Hospice and Bristol AIM for their compassion and love.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 11 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah. Viewing will be at the same location Monday, May 8, 2023, from 6-8 pm and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. If you are unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed. Click “Watch Services” tab above. A Zoom account is required (Login and Password)
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Memory Matters Utah, www.memorymattersutah.org
Olav, Teresa and family, I was sorry to hear of the passing of Lita. She was always fun and entertaining at family gatherings. I know she will be missed. Love you guys ❤️
will miss her a lot we had a great time working together and when we both moved ito Salt Lake namy trips shopping and many luncheons Loved her and wil miss her.
Olav, Teresa, Lori and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you all prayers and hugs. If there is anything any of you need please let me know. Love you
I am so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful person. May she rest in peace and May the family find comfort in this time. ♥️
Aunt Lita was an amazing lady. I loved her accent and loved to hear her . Cadolence's to my cousins. Uncle John is one happy guy to have her back. Prayers for you all.
It was a pleasure helping Lita she was a special lady , very kind. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family they were so great with her. Jackie Huff
I have very good memories of spending time with Aunt Lita &Uncle John, when I was a child.
Condolences to family at this hard time
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So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and condolences.
Your parents were very sweet people. I'm glad they're together again. May all your wonderful memories bring you peace.
It’s never easy to say goodbye. Cherish your fond memories. Know that you are loved. May you find peace and comfort in the coming days, months and years.