Rebecca Marlene Karren Hanks

Rebecca Marlene Karren Hanks passed away from cardiac arrest and kidney failure at IHC Medical Center surrounded by family on July 21, 2026. She was born April 1, 1957, to Robert and Betty Karren in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised by her devoted, loving parents, Afton Dopp Orchard and Morean Karren Orchard.

Rebecca grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho, with loving sisters and brothers. She was so vibrant and full of life. She loved her family and friends and being a member of her high school drill team (Skyline High Teddy Bears). One of her favorite things to do was ride her mountain bike to Bridal Veil Falls with her family. Rebecca married Wade K Hanks in the South Jordan Temple on September 8, 1990. They have loved each other intensely since they first met. They have two children, Hyrum (Sydney) Finch and Janessa (Allan) Anderson; and three grandchildren who she adored.

Rebecca received her dental assisting degree and worked in that field for a few years and then as a Smith’s Food cashier for 20 plus years. She made friends from these endeavors that have lasted throughout her life. She helped support her husband through college as they built their life together.

She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served diligently in various capacities throughout her life.

She developed Type I Diabetes in her early 20’s, after giving birth, which provided many physical challenges during the years that followed. She rarely had a low day and stayed so positive throughout all of it. The only thing bigger than her heart was her sweet tooth. Her remarkable courage, strength, determination, endless optimism, and strong spirit were an inspiration to witness. Her warm smile, laugh, and magnetic personality brought joy to all that knew her.

Her dear friend, Diane Gibbs, gave her the gift of life by donating a kidney, which gave her an additional 12 years of life. Then, her son, Hyrum, gave her one of his kidneys that added an additional 14 years. They are very humble about this and wouldn’t want it mentioned, but it needs to be because, as you can imagine, the blessings of what her friends, family, and loved ones received by being able to spend these additional years with her is truly priceless.

Jesus is truly her rock that guided, soothed, and strengthened her soul everyday.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Afton and Morean Orchard; sister, Charolette Orchard; brothers, Gary Orchard and Craig Karren.

Survivors include her husband, Wade; son, Hyrum; daughter, Janessa; grandchildren, Kylie, Logan, and Athrun; twin brother, Randall Ken Karren; brother, Duane (Nora) Orchard; Beverly (Craig) Smith; Karren (Kirk) Kennington; sisters in-law, Janet Orchard and Kristie Karren; daughter in-law emerita, Lauren (Whit) Ballard.

Just a big “thank you,” with love, to all of her friends since childhood that have stayed so close to her all of these years. You know who you are.

Funeral services will be held in the Spring Creek LDS Stake Center, 760 North 400 East, Springville, Utah, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Bishop Jeffery Toone officiating. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Also, from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at the same location. Interment will be at the Salem City, Utah Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home in Spanish Fork, Utah.