She was born Barbara June Richins to Earle and Katherine Richins on June 12, 1924 in Ely, Nevada. She spent most of her life in Salt Lake City, Utah, Silver Spring and Chevy Chase, Maryland. Barbara married Robert James Williams in April 1943 in Fresno, California. After World War II ended, they settled in Salt Lake City, Utah where their three sons were born. She was a dedicated mother and gave support to her boys in whatever sports or other ventures they were involved with. She loved playing tennis, golf and bridge. But more than these things, she loved people and adored being with friends, whether they were those she’d met at church, the tennis club or the grocery store. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she valued the good friends she had made at Church. For many years, Barbara was a member of Agalia Mu, a social club where she also had numerous friends. While living in Maryland, Barbara became a realtor and was a member of the Million Dollar Club several times.
But what those who loved her will remember most is her gracious and kind demeanor, her wonderful laugh and sense of humor and her love of life. She always wanted to look her best, and most importantly, she wanted her hair to be perfect. There is hardly a family member who wasn’t “conscripted” as a stylist at least once.
We will miss her generosity, her humanity and her love. She is survived by her three sons, Robert James, Jr. (Victoria) of Danville, California, Ridgely of Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming, and Randall of Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as four grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Chapel, 3401 So. Highland Drive, SLC, UT. A visitation will be held from 9:00-9:45 a.m.
Dedication of Grave following funeral service. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Condolences may be expressed at www.wasatchlawn.com.
