Rita Robbins

Twos-day, 2-22-22, heaven welcomed our mother, Rita Baker Robbins, home after 91 years. Rita was born on November 6, 1930, in Provo, Utah to Raymond Orestes and Elma June Smith Baker. She was the oldest of eight children. She was raised most of her life in Draper, Utah on Relation Street, surrounded by many aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

Mom married David Owen Hamilton in 1949. They lived many years in Riverton, and together had six children: Thomas David, Robert 'O', Rae Anna, Kent Baker, Rita Kim, and Scott Owen. Above all else, Mom loved her family. She was always involved in our activities---be it baseball, track, volleyball, softball, basketball, Band, Scouting, Church advancements, she was there.

Mom taught us to work and to serve others. We all knew how to garden-planting, weeding, harvesting, or just enjoying her many beds of flowers. She taught us to care for the simple things and to take care of what we had. Her greatest love of service was serving her ancestors. She loved genealogy and encouraged us to always search out those who were related, and care for their needs as well. She has instilled that same love in many of her children and grandchildren.

Mom taught us to love God and follow His teachings. She always served in the LDS church. It didn't matter if it was Cub Scouts (her LOVE), 4-H, Primary, Relief Society, Sunday School, or being a visiting teacher-you could always depend on her to responsibly serve and magnify whatever she was asked to do. She loved people. She always said, "A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet." She lived that concept to her last days.... everyone loved Rita.

In 1965, we moved to Twin Falls, Idaho where Mom accepted the challenges of a new life, helping dad with all his entrepreneurial quests, with six crazy kids tagging along. We always had a 'hobby farm' and learned the responsibilities of caring for our animals. She tolerated the FFA 'points' surprises she'd find in the deep freeze on a regular basis. She loved to go camping and family vacations and could pack the car or trailer in minutes after a phone call that we were going.

Mom married Marvin Irven Robbins on May 18, 1973. She inherited three more sons with the marriage: Marvin Daniel, Gary Irven, and James Michael. The new Robbins family moved back to Sandy, Utah, where they lived on Crocus Street. Mom and Dad's influence continued with the raising of the last six kids, with many of the same adventures and influences from our early childhood memories.

Mom has been anxiously waiting for her turn to 'graduate' since Marv passed in 2017. We're sure she skipped through the pearly gates, twirling and dancing for joy. She left us behind to join Marv, her son Bob, grandson Tallin, granddaughter Lacey; her parents, and three siblings, Elma, Ray Sterling, Kathleen Kaye.

Mom's living legacy includes 8 children, 42 grandchildren, 101 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. Her living siblings include Joseph Orestes, Bonnie Jean, Philip Ray, and Susan LaRee. Thank you, Mom, for the memories. We love you and we will miss you!!

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Crescent 7th Ward LDS Chapel, 949 E. 10600 S., Sandy, UT. Viewings will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State, Midvale, UT; and prior to services on Monday, from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment will be in Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, UT.

A You-Tube link will be available at:

https://youtu.be/T7xj3R-Hnug

We, as a family, would like to thank Mom's neighbors and ward members who served her in her last weeks in Sandy; also, the professionals at Intermountain Home Care and Hospice who cared for her and our family during Mom's last weeks in Circleville, Utah. Their legacy of terminal care with dignity will not soon be forgotten.