Charles Ray Richens

Charles Ray Richens, Jr. age 78 passed away November 28, 2021 in Vernal, Utah. He was the fourth child born to Charles Ray Richens, Sr. and Iona Annel Hatch Richens. Charles Ray was blessed to named after his father because he was born on his father's birthday. He grew up learning the skills needed to run a farm. Even at a young age, he would often mount his horse to go out to check on the cattle. He was dedicated to his chores and developed a strong work ethic which was beneficial to him all his life. His love of the outdoors led to a love of hunting, fishing, and golf. He enjoyed going for a drive to watch for animals. He was a quiet man who enjoyed time alone but would open up around those he loved the most.

Charles Ray (Charlie) attended many different schools growing up and was a Union Cougar until the summer between his Junior and Senior year when he married the love of his life Donna Hall on July 25, 1960. After marrying Donna he transferred to Uintah High School, where he graduated. He started working right away to provide for his family.

Charles Ray and Donna spent nearly 55 years together building memories and raising their 4 children. During this time, Charles Ray drove truck and was a skilled driver who competed in truck rodeos. He won multiple events and used his driving experience to teach his children and nieces and nephews how to drive safely. Charles Ray spent many years working for Chevron as a station operator, a meter technician, a Cathotic protection technician and ended his career as a maintenance coordinator. He had a passion for inventing things and thinking up new ways to make life's tasks easier.

Charles Ray and Donna loved to travel to different places throughout the United States. They loved camping in the mountains and taking pictures of the beautiful wildlife.


During the week he loved to watch Wheel of Fortune and would often guess the puzzles before anyone else in the room. He also enjoyed watching Hee Haw the Country Music from his younger years. He had a love of learning and could often be found watching news or a nature show. In his later years he would often be found on the weekend watching football or golf. He enjoyed his daily coffee trips especially to Denny's. He also had a strong love of the Bible and would spend hours every day studying. His Bibles are marked with the notes of all the things he learned, and he had a passion for sharing all the things he learned with those around him. He was a man of quiet service who helped many without anyone else knowing. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren very much and he has blessed their lives in many ways.

He was preceded in death by his wife Donna and son Hank Wayne Richens (deceased 1989), and siblings Sylvon Richens and Elaine Richens Hall.

He leaves behind his 3 remaining children: Donnel (Shane) Whiting of Neola, Utah, Charles Ron (Juliann) Richens of Roosevelt, Utah, and Monica (Tyler) Hill of Vernal, Utah. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jesse (Tasha) Whiting, Brandon (Alyssa) Whiting, Nikki (Dirk) Olsen, Jenalee (Joseph) Moynier, Benjamin Richens, Joshua (Josie) Richens, Katelynn (Mari) Riser, Rachel Richens, Joseph Richens, Savannah Wanlass, Ashley (Nicholas) Abarca, Devin (Emily) Hill, Alyssa Hill and Drayton Hill as well as great-grandchildren: Kabryn Whiting, Stockton Whiting, Trey Whiting, Kelsyn Whiting, Brady Whiting, Brooke Whiting, Strayden Olsen, Ryder Olsen, Jexyn Olsen, Haylee Moynier and Rhett Moynier, Charlie Richens, Mary Richens, Camryn Riser, Blakely Abarca, and Nixon Abarca. He also leaves behind his siblings, Duane Richens, Sarahlee Kettle, Calvin Richens, and Nancy Benson. He is loved deeply, and we will not soon forget all that he taught us.

Funeral Services for Charles Ray (Charlie) Richens Jr. will be held Monday December 6, 2021 at 11:00am at the Maser 4th Ward Chapel (2575 North 1500 West). Visitation and viewing for family and friends will be held Sunday December 5th from 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home, and Monday from 9:45am ~ 10:45am at the church. Interment in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery next to his beloved wife Donna Hall Richens. Services under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home. Online condolences maybe shared at www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com.

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