Raona Richards Hall
Raona was born in Oakley, UT, to Ralph Ashton and Ida Naoma Laney Richards on 30 June 1930. She passed away peacefully while sleeping on 7 December 2022. Raona grew up on a dairy ranch as somewhat of a tomboy. She worked hard and loved to read, often lying on the back of a horse with a book while tending the cows. After graduating from South Summit High School, she moved to Salt Lake City to work. In 1950 she married Howard Gallatin Hall, and together they reared eight children. In 1953 they settled in Yuba City, CA, where she lived the remainder of her life. Raona was an intelligent, caring person who served in her church and in the community in a variety of ways for decades. Her service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints included leading women’s and children’s organizations, maintaining instructional materials, and serving for many years in the Oakland and Sacramento temples. She also served full-time missions for the Church: first in Alabama with Howard, and later in the Church Historical Department. Raona’s service in the community included working at election polls, canvassing votes, and helping immigrants with literacy. She also served as Chair of the Editorial Staff of the Sutter County Historical Society News Bulletin from July 1979 until January 1987.
Raona was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Sterling and Arnold Richards, sisters Carol Hardman and Afton VanTassell, her son Joseph, and a grandson. She is survived by her sisters Ruth (Floyd) Baham of Kaysville, UT, and Glenda (Max) Excell of Preston, ID; her sons Michael (Martha) of Orem, UT, Richards (Joanne), Peter (Melody) of Yuba City, CA, Steven of Tracy, CA, and Wesley (Lisa) of Jerome, ID; her daughters Jacque (Byron) Johnson of Glide, OR, and Suzanne (Gary) Selvidge of Sacramento, CA; also by 31 grandchildren and 70 great-grandchildren.
There will be a visitation at Ullrey Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, December 27, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Funeral services for Raona will be held on Wednesday, December 28, at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 520 Clark Avenue, Yuba City. Interment will follow in the Sutter Cemetery. Those wishing to donate in lieu of flowers may consider donating in her name to the missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to the Community Memorial Museum Association, or to the Friends of the Sutter County Library.
The official obituary has been published. Here are few things that didn't make it.
She had a 'thing' with the mail. She believed that they held her church magazines. She had the number of the Postmater and used it.
Since I've know her, she has always had long hair pulled back into a bun. Fun fact: she put pin curls in it on Saturday. I would assume it was so it would look good on Sunday. Scott used to draw her with two circles; one was her face the other was her bun. He was 4.
She was a terrible cook. She cooked her turkey on low heat--all night. When my kids would complain about dinner I would threatened to feed them what she had feed Wes growing up.
Someone once told me that they always thought of her as a pioneer woman. It made sense to me.
She had two Medical books and would diagnosis herself and others. That's why I called her Dr Raona.
She preferred a letter to a phone call, especially if you lived out of state. She would worry about how much that the phone call costs. Only call if you are in town.
She had a large collection of cool whip and butter containers. She was not afraid to use them.
She did not like air conditioning. She could take the heat.
She spent a fair amount of time looking out here front room window, checking out her neighbors. She could tell you the low down on all her neighbors. What time they got home from work. How long the garage door was opened. How many walks they took.
She often offered us candy and would tell use that she bought it a year ago.
I just needed to share my memories. It's hard to know what to say. She was a quirky and sassy grandma.
