Obituary of Raona Hall

Raona was born in Oakley, UT, to Ralph Ashton and Ida Naoma Laney Richards, on June 30, 1930. She passed away peacefully while sleeping on December 7, 2022. Raona grew up on a dairy ranch as somewhat of a tomboy. She worked hard and loved to read books, often lying on the back of a horse 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 husband, 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, 2022, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Funeral services for Raona will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, 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.