Nora Elizabeth Wanlass Richins was born March 3, 1930 in Magna, Utah to James Fowkes and Evelyn Jane Wanlass. She had three siblings: Truie, Evelyn, and Bill. While she was born in Magna, the family moved to the Teton Valley area in Idaho in her early years and the valley is where she spent most of her younger days. She played ladies A Team basketball during high school and this ignited a love for the sport that lasted into her later years. She met her best friend and future husband, Alva Richins, after high school and they courted even while separated by their respective jobs. He soon proposed and they were married May 23, 1950 and thus began their journey of almost 70 years together. They settled down in Jackson, Wyoming and soon found themselves with two children, Ken and Lynette. She was a wonderful mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Anyone who knew her was blessed with her sweet smile and generous heart. She and Alva invited her mother to live with them after they were settled, and they cared for her until a few years before her death. Nora could often be found in the kitchen preparing meals for her family, baking, or puttering around the house, but if she were nowhere to be seen, she could be found by following the sound of her humming a familiar song. She had music in her heart from day one and loved singing with her sisters Truie and Evelyn. She also sang with The Singing Mothers at church and many of us can remember her humming or singing a hymn throughout her days. She loved to go to her ceramics group on Tuesday evenings to see friends, and every one of us in the family is sure to have something she made that is still in use today. She made everything from decorative Christmas ceramics to things that were put into everyday use like bowls and various other dishes. Nora was the very embodiment of "Jack of all trades." She spent some time as a telephone operator in Jackson and many people have said they can still remember picking up the receiver to hear her smiling voice on the other end saying, "number, please?" Lynette remembers her working at the snack bar at the top of Snow King one summer. She would make the sandwiches in their kitchen, box them up, and then take the ride up the chair lift to sell at the shack and would be back in a couple of hours when they sold out. Another year she took in ironing from the locals! She and Alva bought an oil company from Gene and Jeanette Gillette, and Richins Oil was born. While she could usually be found in the office doing administrative work for the company, she was even known to drive a fuel truck if the need arose. They traveled together to conventions throughout the United States and were dedicated to their business until retirement. All of us have a memory that shines in our minds of sweet Nora Richins. Whether it be teaching one of the kids or grandkids how to make gravy in the kitchen, hearing her sing a hymn with her sisters, or just hearing her on the other end of the telephone, she left her mark on all of us. Thank you, Nora, for being such an inspiring and gentle soul during your time with us. We are all better people for it, and we will miss you greatly. Thank you for teaching us. We love you. Nora passed away on May 3, 2021 in Caldwell, Idaho. She is survived by her children, Ken and Lynette; her grandchildren: Shawna, Kendra, and Kristopher; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
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