BARRICK, Rhonda

Griffith Mortuary, Kearny, Arizona Rhonda Barrick March 6, 1967 - February 26, 2015 On February 26, 2015 Rhonda Kay Richins Barrick handed her struggles to God and entered into his kingdom. After an extended illness, she left this world as she lived her life, with her children by her side and love and happiness in her heart. Rhonda was born to Francis Melbourn and Elizabeth Auguste Barlow Richins on March 6, 1967 in Morenci Arizona. She spent the early years of her life growing up in Franklin, Arizona before moving on to Playas, New Mexico followed by Cotton City, New Mexico. She graduated from Animas High School in 1985. Rhonda then went on to Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher where she met the love of her life, Tom Barrick. The two were married on June 9, 1989. Rhonda and Tom produced two beautiful children. First a daughter, Jaimie Auguste Barrick, followed by a son, John Tanner Barrick. Rhonda’s world revolved around these children until her final breath. She rejoiced in their activities. Rhonda was a true believer in the value of education and taught 4th grade for many years. She started her career at Copper Rim Elementary School in Globe, AZ. She most recently taught at Lee Kornegay Middle School in Miami, AZ. In the interim she taught 3rd through 8th graders for 2 years in the College Preparatory Program that existed in the Gila County for a short period. Rhonda truly loved her students and opening their minds to the possibilities afforded in life through education. Her favorite subject to teach was science, due to the hands on nature of the subject. Rhonda also had the ability to incorporate imagination and adventure into other subjects which also brought her happiness. Doing things with her family brought Rhonda the most joy in life. She always encouraged her children to get involved with anything that interested them. She followed that up with complete support in those activities. She spent countless hours at various ball fields and in gyms, absolutely enjoying every minute of supporting her children. She never missed an event even when fighting her illness. She enjoyed family trips to the lake, camping trips, hunting trips, Diamondback games, Spring Training games and U of A games because all involved being with family. Rhonda was always up for an adventure. Rhonda was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Auguste Barlow Richins, and a niece, Cassandra Auguste Richins. She is lovingly survived by her husband of 25 plus years, Tom Barrick, her daughter Jaimie Barrick of Mesa, AZ and her son Tanner Barrick. She is also survived by her father Francis Melbourn Richins (Jan) of Cotton City, NM, brothers Roy Richins (Crystal) of Safford, AZ, Russ Richins (Melody) of Cotton City, NM and Rick Richins (Diane) of Verde Lee, AZ. She will also be tremendously missed by many nieces and nephews, in-laws, aunts, uncles, family and friends. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to Relay for Life or The Susan G Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.