- Date Of Birth: November 1, 1927
- Date Of Death: August 29, 2015
- State: Idaho
Barbara Ann Richins once shared with her family the key to a meaningful life: “Never be reluctant to let your loved ones know you love them by your actions and voice. A hug, a kiss, and ‘I love you’ can’t be said too often.” After a life devoted to living by these words, Barbara passed away peacefully in her home on August 29, 2015 at the age of 87. Barbara’s family was by her side when she passed, cherishing one last opportunity to show and tell her how much they loved her.
Born on November 1, 1927 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Barbara Harker was the only child of Ferry L. Harker and Jessie L. Harker. After Ferry died in 1929, Jessie and Barbara moved to Nampa, Idaho to live with Jessie’s sister. Eventually, Jessie married Benjamin H. Waigand (Mayor of Nampa from 1939-1943), and Barbara’s last name became Waigand.
While a student at Nampa High School, Barbara met a kid from East Los Angeles who had just rolled into town wearing a brightly colored striped jacket and huarachi sandals. His name was Robert (“Bob”) T. Richins, and his California fashion horrified the smartly dressed Barbara. But Bob fell in love with Barbara the moment he set eyes on her, and his charm gradually helped him to win Barbara’s heart. After graduating from high school in the spring of 1946, Barbara and Bob were married on September 18, 1946. She later referred to Bob’s wedding ring and her wedding dress as the most important purchases she ever made.
In the early years of their marriage, Barbara and Bob had to work hard to make ends meet. At one point, Bob rode his bicycle between three jobs, stocking grocery shelves and selling ice cream by day and cleaning offices by night. Barbara also worked at the ice cream shop, and Bob often teased her that she ate more of the inventory than she sold. Barbara reflected back on those times as challenging, but filled with many laughs and happy memories. In later years, Barbara often accompanied Bob on trips to help open new Waremart grocery stores, now known as Winco Foods. Barbara helped ready the stores for customers and acted as an official greeter.
Upon the arrival of their two children, Rick and Julie, Barbara devoted her life to motherhood. She was a room mother, den mother, and a Little League team parent. She hauled Rick and Julie to football games, basketball practices, cheerleading competitions, and ballet lessons. In her spare time, she enjoyed golfing at Broadmore golf course with her friends, gardening, summer outings at Lake Lowell, and volunteering at the State School and Hospital in Nampa.
In 1972, Barbara’s life took a tragic turn when a drunk driver crashed into Bob and Barbara’s car in Umatilla, Oregon. She spent several weeks in intensive care and the physical injuries she sustained in the crash dogged her for the rest of her life.
Despite the obstacles life threw her way, Barbara maintained a wry, mischievous sense of humor. She had impeccable comedic timing and frequently delivered witty zingers with a twinkle in her eye. As a prank, Barbara once crept up and painted Bob’s toenails red while he slept barefoot on the couch. Bob eventually woke up, climbed into the shower, looked down at his feet, and started screaming in horror: “My toes are bleeding!” Barbara doubled over with laughter. She also didn’t shy away from acknowledging self-limitations.
Barbara loved to travel with Bob and had a special fondness for Mauna Lani on the Big Island in Hawaii.
Barbara is survived by her two children Rick (Viki) Richins and Julie (Larry) Prince; her four grandchildren Dustin (Dominique) Richins, Jason (Ruth) Prince, Adam (Sara) Richins, and Stephanie (Ivan) Donaldson; and her seven great grandchildren Rachel Richins, Sam Richins, Fiona Prince, Eli Richins, Elliot Donaldson, Ronan Prince, and Colt Donaldson.
Barbara’s family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the caregivers—Jill, Sandra, Joann, Laura, Kayla, and Jennifer—who lovingly helped to provide Barbara with at-home care. Additionally, the family also greatly appreciates the hospice team—Meg, Laura, and Brittnay—who helped Barbara and her family through the difficult final days.
Barbara’s legacy to her family and friends will always be the loving example she set as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. We have joy in our hearts knowing that Bob and Barbara are together again.
