Obituary of Richard L. Elkins

Richard Lee Elkins, 83, of Marysville, CA passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 17, with his loving family at his side. Richard was born on December 31, 1930, to Raymond Lee and Mildred (Phipps) Elkins in South Bend, Indiana. He resided in South Bend until at age 18 he joined the US Air Force. He married Norma Jean Miller, and together they raised their six children at several different Air Force bases in the US and England. Richard was a proud Veteran, retiring in 1974 in Marysville. After 36 years of marriage, Norma passed away in 1990, Richard remarried in 1997, and leaves behind his loving wife, Bonnie at his passing. He is also survived by his six children, Michael Elkins of Yuba City; Karen Leonard of Marysville, CA; Debra Crawford of Marysville, CA; Kathy McGrath of Yuba City, CA; Scott Elkins of Yuba City, CA and Kimberly Spurgeon and her husband Scott of Meridian, CA. Richard is also survived by his Stepchildren, Darryl Bennett of Yuba city, CA; Dennis Bennett of Yuba City, CA; and David Bennett of Missouri. He leaves behind his many Grandchildren, Step-Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Richard is also survived by his brother Ronald Lee Elkins of Avon, Indiana and his sister, Myra Ann Sowards of Boiling Springs, South Carolina. Richard leaves behind many friends, and was loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed spending time with his family, going to his favorite restaurants (mainly to tease the waitresses!), old westerns on TV, his dogs, searching for that ever-elusive perfect motor home, and just being down right ornery! The family would like to thank his care givers Carol and Martha for all that they did for him, Emily Reyes for being the best neighbor for over 30 years, and most of all to his wife Bonnie, for loving him and making him so happy. A Visitation is scheduled for Thursday Feb. 20, 2014, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Sierra View Mortuary in Olivehurst. Services are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 21, at 10 am at Sierra View Mortuary Chapel in Olivehurst. Burial will be at Sierra View Memorial Park following the chapel service with full Military Honors. A memorial celebration of Richard's life will follow with a potluck luncheon at Riverside Restoration Church in Linda after the Services.