Torrey, Utah - Our beloved mother, grandmother, and steadfast friend, RaeOla Rudd Deakin, returned to her heavenly home on April 18, 2026. She passed away peacefully in her home in Torrey, Utah, surrounded by the family she spent her life nurturing, following a courageous battle with complications from kidney failure.

Born in Plymouth, Utah, to Rulon J. Rudd and Alissa Lavell Steed, RaeOla was a woman of rare grit and vibrant character. She married Bert Deakin, Jr. on July 19, 1956, and together they raised five children. In 1973, they moved to Torrey—a place that she loved dearly.

RaeOla was perhaps best known as the soul of The Sportsman’s Inn. More than just a business, it was a local institution where her famous pizzas were legendary and the atmosphere was always electric. She had a gift for bringing people together, most notably through her annual Halloween parties, which became a cherished tradition for all of Wayne County.

Grandma RaeOla was "in charge" in the very best way. She was spicy, fun, and fiercely authentic; with RaeOla, you always knew exactly where you stood. She was a woman who never took "any gruff," yet she loved her people with a depth that was undeniable.

Her life was defined by active passions: She was never happier than when she was riding in the mountains or fishing. A lifelong athlete, she was a fixture in bowling leagues and a talented softball player. Though forced to use her right hand in school, she defiantly played ball with her left—a story of independence she loved sharing with her grandchildren. She had a gentle touch with nature, pouring her passion into her flowers, particularly her prized roses. A dedicated member of the Torrey Town Council for many years, RaeOla cared deeply about her community. She also spent 20 years meticulously processing names for the LDS genealogy registry, honoring those who came before her.

RaeOla’s "work hard, play hard" philosophy lives on through her extensive family. She is survived by:Her Children: Rhonda Stringham and Kelly Deakin (Torrey); Tonya Rae (David) Moosman (Bicknell); and Roxann “Annie” (Golden) Snedeger (Torrey). Her Grandchildren: Stony (Nichol) Stringham, Starr (Mike) Spencer, Jeremy (Grey) Deakin, Jodi Erin (Troy) Raicevich, Clayton (Josie) Moosman, AllissaRae (Adam) Deleeuw, Mark (Tiffany) Moosman, Jay (Brooke) Moosman, Preston Snedeger, and Dustin Snedeger.Her Great-Grandchildren: 22 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Her Siblings: Brother Derrell (Janice) Rudd and sister-in-law Betty Lou Jackson Rudd Short.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jodi Deakin, who was undoubtedly waiting to welcome her home, as well as her parents, her brothers Gordon and Jeffrey Rudd, her sister Doris Rudd, Bert Deakin Jr., and son-in-law Jan Stringham.

RaeOla Deakin was a force of nature. Whether she was cleaning homes for neighbors or serving up the best pizza in Utah, she did it with a willingness to help and a spirit that couldn't be tamed. We carry her strength, her spice, and her love with us always."She worked hard, played hard, and loved hard."

Graveside services for RaeOla will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, April 24, 2026 in the Torrey Cemetery. Friends may call for viewing the morning of the services from 10:00-11:30 A.M. at the Torrey LDS ward chapel, 89 East Main Street in Torrey.

Burial will be under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.