Donna Rae Beckstead Hillyard

Donna Rae Beckstead Hillyard passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024. After 93 years she was ready for a rest from life's challenges. She was born to Ray and Lucinda Olsen on May 24, 1931. She grew up in a family of seven girls (Rhea, Cleora, Jenna Vee, Cheri, Karen, and Arla) and they had a wonderful childhood together in Copperton, Utah. She loved sharing her memories of that time. She had lifetime friends from kindergarten with whom she remained close. They were lovingly called, "The Gang". Donna Rae loved music. She played the flute in band, sang in groups, and was a soloist.

Donna Rae married Wallace Delisle Beckstead on July 27, 1949, in Copperton, Utah; solemnized in Salt Lake LDS Temple on March 31, 1960. They had a wonderful life together until he passed away in December of 1991. A few years later, she married Neal Hillyard and they had many happy years together. Donna Rae and Wally were blessed with three boys, Gary (Arlene), Glen (Sandi), and Steve (Sandy). They had 11 grandchildren who they adored and loved to take camping and fishing. They had many great-grandchildren, as well as great-great-grandchildren. Donna Rae loved her family and found great joy in them. She is preceded in death by both husbands, three sisters, and a great-granddaughter.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the care center for taking such good care of Donna Rae. Donna Rae's funeral will be held on Friday, August 23 at 11:30 at McDougal Funeral Home in Taylorsville, Utah at 4330 South Redwood Road, with a viewing prior to the funeral beginning at 10:30.

Those wishing to livestream the service may do so at the following link:  https://vimeo.com/event/4526165