Alice Pauline “Polly” Righetti, 95, of St. George, Utah, passed away on October 20, 2026, at Snow Canyon Assisted Living. She was born on September 13, 1931, in Laverne, Oklahoma, to Charles Everett Hiner and Alice Shraeder Hiner. Pauline was one of eight children. The Hiner family had settled in the Oklahoma Territory in the late 1800s to work the land and maintain their livelihoods. However, when Pauline was two years old, her parents made the tough decision to leave their family settlement, relocating from Oklahoma during the very difficult Dust Bowl years to establish a new family farm in Ontario, California.

Although their venture began well with a new farm to raise crops and animals to earn a living, the family was struck by tragedy again when Pauline was six years old. Her father passed away from injuries he suffered during his service in France during World War I. Pauline’s mother was determined to keep the family together by sustaining them through hard work on the farm. Along with her siblings, Pauline learned how to garden, preserve fruits and vegetables, and raise a variety of farm animals for food, sale, and exchange in the local community of Ontario. Pauline acquired a strong, determined work ethic during her early years on the farm, which served her well for the rest of her life.

As a teenager in the 1940s, Pauline reflected the culture of the post–World War II era, going out with her sisters to dance and listen to country swing bands that traveled through their town. On one of these outings, she met the love of her life, Joseph Righetti, who had returned from his Navy service during World War II. Joseph had been raised in the nearby communities of Corona, Cucamonga, and Upland, and was determined to start a new life after the war. He was also drawn to the local country swing music scene. Pauline caught his eye, and she was thoroughly impressed by his fancy Indian motorcycle.

They eventually eloped on his motorcycle to Yuma, Arizona, before returning to begin their  life together. Over the next several years, Joe and Pauline welcomed three children in quick succession and worked hard to provide for their family. Their first home was set in the middle of a vineyard in Cucamonga (Guasti), California, where Joe hauled grapes to local wineries for a grower. Joe became an expert truck driver, and they eventually bought a home in Montclair, California, where their children attended and graduated from school. Pauline supplemented Joe’s income by working from home.

In 1956, Pauline began studying with the Jehovah’s Witnesses and remained a dedicated and faithful member of their faith until her death. Although she had been raised Christian and attended a local church, she found hope in this new faith. She was determined that her children would learn about God and loved reading her Bible every day. She was very proud to have read her Bible from cover to cover every year. 

Upon Joe’s retirement, they sold their home and relocated to Upland, and then to Glen Avon, California. When their daughter Paula moved to Vernal, Utah, they fell in love with the area, wanted to be closer to family, and moved there as well. When Paula later moved her family to St. George, Joe and Pauline eventually settled in St. George, Utah, to stay close.

Pauline had a wonderful “green thumb” and always maintained a very productive garden, as well as fruit trees. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply and spent as much time with them as possible. Pauline and Joe also loved playing cards and spent many years enjoying evenings with family members. Pauline always included her grandchildren in card games, puzzles, and other fun activities. She even managed to get on the television game show The Price Is Right and won the grand prize.

Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Righetti; her parents, Charles and Alice Hiner; her son, Joseph Righetti; and her great-grandson, Draven Sands. She also outlived all of her brothers and sisters: Louise Hiner, Nellie Tucker, Charles (Sonny) Hiner, Elsie Garrison-Remke, Gerald (Buddy) Hiner, Glenn Hiner, and her youngest brother, LeRoy (Larry) Hiner.

Pauline is survived by her son, Robert Silvio Righetti (Susan Broersma); her daughter, Paula Pitcher (Jay Pitcher); her grandchildren, Erin Righetti, Ryan Righetti, Robert Joseph Righetti (Naho Ikeda Righetti), Tony Sands, Rocky Sands (Aimee Sands), and Amber Mortensen (Ben Mortensen); and her daughter-in-law, Marilynn Righetti (Joseph Righetti). Her great-grandchildren are Navlin Falkner, Ota Righetti, Zakei Williams, Emma Righetti, Rylan Righetti, Sofia Kanon Righetti, Kyler Sands, Drue Sands, Shaylee Sands, Adam Mortensen, and Noah Mortensen, as well as many nieces and nephews.

After she reached her early nineties, her children determined it was time to move her into a secure, safe environment where she could receive full-time assistance, care, and meals. Pauline received wonderful healthcare during her final years at Spring Gardens Assisted Living before moving to Snow Canyon Assisted Living. During her time at both facilities, she received excellent active care from Applegate Rehab Services, as well as Applegate Hospice Care in her last few months. In addition, members of her local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses visited her frequently to maintain support and the relationships built through their shared faith.

Memorial services will be held at McArthur Funeral Home on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pauline will be interred next to her beloved husband, Joseph Righetti, at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.