Janis Lynne Pearce Richards

At the age of 91, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother left her earthly home on February 22, 2026. Janis Lynne Pearce was born May 13, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles Edward and Edna Smart Pearce. During Lynne’s childhood, her family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she grew up on the East Bench and attended East High School. It was there that Lynne met the love of her life, John LaMar Richards. Mom loved telling the story of how she was out mowing the lawn when Dad drove by on his motorcycle, gathered the courage to stop, and asked if she would like a ride. That simple moment marked the beginning of a beautiful love story.

Lynne and LaMar were married on August 12, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage until Dad passed away in February 2007. They brought nine children into their family. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Mom was all about making memories, whether it was gathering the family for Thanksgiving and Christmas or spending time together at the cabin.

Lynne had a deep love for animals. She was known for rescuing baby birds that had fallen from their nests, carefully feeding them with an eyedropper in hopes they would survive. The family was never surprised when Mom brought home any kind of pet — dogs, cats, exotic birds, snakes, skunks, squirrels, and chipmunks. Her home was always open to both people and animals alike.

She was a woman of many talents. In the kitchen, she worked her magic, creating unforgettable holiday meals. The family especially looked forward to her famous orange rolls and banana cream pies. Mom was gifted with her hands and lovingly crafted beautiful porcelain dolls that she gave to her family as treasured keepsakes.

Lynne was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep and abiding love for her Savior. She served faithfully in many callings and shared her creativity by writing and organizing road shows and plays. Mom also wrote many poems and often shared one in particular about our Savior, Jesus Christ, and how we can find great comfort in His love and forgiveness.

Lynne is survived by six children: John (Shauna), Mike (Karrie), Mark (Colleen), Debra Rienzo, Katherine (David) Christenson, and Michelle (Jeff) Lund. She was preceded in death by her sons Steve, Rob, and David; daughter-in-law Jenni; as well as four great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a cherished legacy of 27 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren.

Our family is deeply grateful for the loving care provided by Suncrest Hospice and the compassionate staff at Abbington Senior Living, who cared for Mom so tenderly.

Funeral services for Lynne will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah. Visitations will be held at the same location on Friday, February 27, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00–9:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, Cypress Hill.