Rodney “Dean” Richins unexpectedly passed away on January 13, 2021, at his home in Vail, Arizona with his loving wife by his side.  He was born on November 13, 1948, in Safford, Arizona to Oriel Ward Richins & Sammie Eugenia Foster Richins with siblings Gerald, Robert, Stephen, and Marilyn.

   Dean graduated from Duncan High School and joined the United States Navy in San Diego, California on June 18, 1968, serving on the USS Iwo Jima until his honorable discharge on April 28, 1972.

   On November 12, 1983, Dean married Judy A. Holguin in Tempe, Arizona.  He worked for the Arizona State Department of Corrections as an officer and received many accommodations over his 32 years of service.

   Dean enjoyed dancing, bull riding, going to rodeos, golfing, walking the dog, and being with family.  He truly loved his family and they enjoyed his sense of humor.  Dean also enjoyed his trips to Washington DC, going to the Grand Ole Opry, and being aboard the USS Iwo Jima when the Apollo 13 was picked up. He was a very responsible person who was always there for others.  One of his favorite sayings was “How about some George Strait?”

   Dean is survived by his loving wife Judy A. Richins, his siblings Gerald (Diane) Richins, Robert (Jan) Richins, Stephen (Sheree) Richins, and Marilyn (Lloyd) Clawson, Becki (Glen) Polcyn, and many nieces & nephews,  great-nieces & nephews and Godchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his parents Oriel & Sammie Richins, his twin brother Dennis Richins, his nephew Cooper Clawson, his Aunt Flossy Santee, his Uncle Wes Santee, his cousin Don Santee, his aunt Barbara Fishel, and his cousin Don Fishel.

   The recitation of the Rosary will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. with the memorial mass at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Safford.  Interment will follow in the Safford Cemetery.