Carol Joan Riches, age 91, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on February 7, 2026.

Carol was born on December 24, 1934, in Blackfoot, Idaho, as Hazel Pearl Gordon. At the age of eight, she was adopted by John and Tessie Smodey and welcomed into a loving home. By her own request, she was renamed Carol Joan Smodey. Though her early years were marked by hardship, those experiences shaped the strength, resilience, and quiet determination that defined her life.

Carol grew up in Hiawatha and Wattis, Utah, and was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She attended Carbon High School in Price, Utah. As a young woman, she met the love of her life, Clark J Riches. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1955 and would have celebrated 71 years of marriage this April. Soon thereafter, their family began, and they moved to Green River, Utah, where they have lived for the past 70 years.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband, Clark J; her brother, Walter Aldus; her sisters, Darline Johnson and Betty Ann Wilson; and her children—five sons and five daughters. After the heartbreaking loss of her oldest daughter, Carol lovingly raised two bonus sons, embracing them fully as her own. Her children are: Bruce (Lorrie), Julie (preceded her in death), Linda (Greg), Duane (Penney), Gary (Kayce), Chantel (Lloyd), Sheldon (Mari), Kathleen “Kitty” (Kevin), Doni (Alex), Lance, Range, and Kaleb.

She leaves behind a remarkable posterity of 38 grandchildren and spouses, and more than 80 great-grandchildren, each deeply cherished and dearly loved.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, John and Tessie; her daughter Julie; her brothers Guy and Bill; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Leena Riches and Lucas Riches.

Carol was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker; her home was filled with warmth, noise, and often the comforting smell of homemade bread and other home-baked goods. She worked tirelessly alongside her beloved husband, tending the yard, the garden, preserving fruits and vegetables, and helping prepare venison to provide for their family.

When her youngest son reached school age, and the nearest school was more than 70 miles away in Spring Glen, Carol faithfully drove him there and back every school day. During that time, she began working at Ann Self School, which later led to many years of service with Special Olympics. She coached and transported special-needs athletes, serving with patience, kindness, and unwavering love.

Carol was talented in many ways. Beyond raising twelve children—without completely losing her sanity, as she liked to joke—she made sure each child knew they were deeply loved and fiercely supported. She loved singing and had great vocals, and she played the accordion, bringing music and joy into her home.

She faithfully served in church callings throughout her life. Her service was quiet, constant, and sincere. She also faithfully served in the Manti Temple with her husband, a service she deeply loved. Carol loved her Savior deeply and taught her children through her example. Many will remember her gathering up a herd of children each Sunday and taking them to church—often on her own—while dad attended meetings, usually seated up front.

While faith, family, and service were central to her life, Carol also knew how to have fun. She loved spending time with family and friends and created countless memories through water fights, four-wheel rides, camping adventures, and gathering, cutting, and hauling firewood. She enjoyed board and card games and was always present, cheering on, and encouraging each of her twelve children in whatever sport, activity, or passion they chose to pursue.

Carol Joan Riches lived a life rooted in faith, sacrifice, hard work, and deep, abiding love for her family. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched.

Funeral service, Friday, February 13, 2026, 11:00 a.m., Green River LDS Church, where the family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Graveside service, Elgin Cemetery. Arrangements are in the compassionate care of Castle Valley Funerals & Cremations where family and friends are always welcome and may share memories online at www.castlevalleyfunerals.com

She will be deeply missed and forever loved until we meet again. We love you, Mom.