Donna Mae Richards

Donna Mae Walker Richards passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, April 28, 2024. Born on August 16, 1936, in Oakley, Utah, Donna grew up surrounded by family and friends that loved her. At the tender age of 5, her father was killed in the mines of Park City, Utah. A few years later, her mother remarried, and Donna and her sisters happily welcomed a baby brother into their family. Donna loved her siblings and cherished memories of mischief and fun they had growing up in a small town.

After graduating from South Summit High, she married her life-long friend, Arnold L Richards, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on September 10, 1954. After schooling, they moved to Orem, Utah in 1964 where they raised their two daughters and created forever friendships. In 1996, they moved to Mesa, Arizona to be with family. In 2021, she moved to The Summit where she made new friends and touched many lives.

Known affectionately as the “Energizer Bunny” to her family and friends, Donna was full of life, extremely optimistic, and spread sunshine wherever she went. She was a friend to everyone. Donna’s main concern in life was that there were not enough hours in the day to accomplish what she wanted to do!

Throughout her life, Donna embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. She was a cheerleader in high school, an Oakley rodeo queen, a skillful seamstress, she loved learning new words, she could talk on the telephone for hours and she sang in a trio “The Versatones”. Donna worked many years in the Provo School district, then went back to school in her 50’s to become a massage therapist. Donna was an avid writer of poetry and delighted in planning memorable activities for her grandchildren to do on holidays. Donna enjoyed making her famous toffee each year at Christmas and looked forward to delivering it to her neighbors and friends.

Donna loved being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings. Donna also served in the Mesa LDS Temple as an ordinance worker, a volunteer in the office and an organist. The highlight of her week was attending the temple. Her unexpected passing has truly left a hole in many hearts, but her legacy of love, kindness and service will endure.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold, and her parents, Edmund “Ted” and Ima Walker. Donna is survived by two sisters, Geri Craven and Darlene (John) Carpenter and one brother, Allen (Carol) Wilde, two daughters, RaShell (Kurt) Rice and RaLyn (Matt) Heninger, six grandchildren, Kurt (Shirlene) Styers, Shaun (Annsley) Rice, Jami (Brandon) Hall, Chris (Hannah) Heninger, Alexis (Tyler) Camp, Holly (Redden) Clouse and 15 great grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Donna will be laid to rest in the San Tan Memorial Gardens. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. We love you Mom, Grandma and GG!

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.