Erlene Haynie Richardson, our dear sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Saturday, July 30th, at the age of 81 in her home in Mesa, AZ.
Erlene was born to Paul Haynie Sr. and Verl Cluff in Douglas, AZ on April 13, 1941. She spent much of her childhood years in the small towns of Bisbee and El Frida, AZ. During her teenage years her family moved to Mesa where she attended and graduated from Mesa High School. Soon after, she met and married Larry Alden Richardson. They were sealed in the Mesa Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Together they worked and raised their family of 12 children in Mesa. Erlene was an excellent seamstress, a great cook and was very organized in all that she did. She faithfully served in many capacities in the Church, including 25 years in the Primary organization. Later in life, she served with her husband in the Mesa Temple for 9 happy years.
Her family was her pride and joy. She loved spending time with them at family campouts, reunions, park parties, birthdays and holiday celebrations. She decorated her home for every holiday and her family loved how festive her home looked for each occasion. She was a strong, beautiful and poised lady who raised her many children to be honest, kind, faithful and hardworking. She left a legacy of faith and courage, and showed by example how to live a good life and valiantly endure to the end.
Erlene was preceded in death by her husband, Larry A. Richardson. She is survived by her children Alden Richardson (Misato Ryu), Cinthia Cluff (Robert), Kate Merkley (Lewis), Tammy Rowland (Daniel), Kurt Richardson (Leann Crockett), Cory Richardson, Kyle Richardson, Branden Richardson (CindyLou Martin), Connie Cochran (Williams), Laren Richardson, Dean Richardson (Heather Barney), Garet Richardson (Kim Jessee), 40 Grandchildren and 36 Great Grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, August 8, 2022 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 15 W. 1st Ave. Mesa, AZ 85210.
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.
I’m so sorry to hear Erlene is gone. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Another angel in heaven reunited with her sweetheart and so many others. A great lady, so sorry for your moment apart in the scheme of eternal time, what a great legacy your parents have created. Prayers for peace sent your way.
Condolences to the family. Much love. Prayers and hugs.
The years go by so quickly and we often lose touch. Please know we enjoyed both your parents. As a child we spent quite a bit of time at Uncle Paul’s home in Elfrida. You all did a wonderful job at her funeral.