Rae DeVere Evans Huggard October 16, 1933 to April 20, 2022

Our Rae of Sunshine has slipped the surly bonds of her earthly body and joined her eternal sweetheart. Mom was born in Salt Lake City to Robley Dunglisson Evans and Dorothy (Dot) DeVere Stevens on October 16, 1933, three months early, weighing only 24 ounces.  Her twin brother Henry Edward only lived 12 hours. Mom became a fighter early in life and kept that spirit until the end.

Her parents divorced when she was young.  Her maternal grandparents taught her about testimony and faith which became an anchor to her as she moved more than a dozen times in her youth (mostly in California and Nevada).  At the age of 16 she able to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Shortly after this, she moved to American Fork to live with her dad and step-mom Nona.  She finally found a permanent home and made many forever friends including Lorraine Pierce and LaVerne Pulley.  These friends continued their monthly lunch and Phase 10 games until recently. She is a proud Caveman, graduating in 1954.

Mom met her eternal companion Max Hyrum Huggard that same year and they were engaged after three dates.  They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 16, 1955 and made their home in American Fork.   They welcomed three children, Linda Rae, Gary Max and Mary Louise.

In 1967 they settled on 400 East on Grandpa Huggard’s land. Dad’s health began to fail early in their marriage. As a result, many times Mom was left alone to care for her children.  Mom’s love for Dad never faltered; she lived through thick and thin and ups and downs with him. She was the primary emotional support for all three of her children and they always felt her unconditional love.  She held fast to her faith and covenants.  She was grateful to be able to serve as a temple worker for 30 years, first in the Provo Temple and then the Mount Timpanogos Temple.

In 2001 she accepted the call from her bishop to serve a full-time mission and was called to the California Anaheim mission (we’re going to Disneyland!)  She was given the nickname “Mama Huggy” by all the young Elders.  She was grateful to serve her Father in Heaven and share her testimony. Mom crocheted and knitted for years, making many baby blankets and hundreds of booties for the humanitarian effort.

She loved her time at the American Fork Senior Center where she was famous for her bingo calling.  She looked forward to the Tuacahn trips, the Autumn leaf rides and the everyday lunches with her friends. Mom was an epic story teller; all little children were immediately drawn to her as she created imaginary worlds for them. Her ability to connect with anyone was amazing; she made everyone feel loved. 

As her health began to fail, she was grateful that she could participate in on-line church, and continued to study her lessons until the end.

Mom is preceded in death by her sweetheart Max, brother Henry Edward, parents and grandparents.  She is survived by her three children: Linda (Danny) Washburn (Monroe), Gary (Carma) Huggard (American Fork), Mary (Keith) Robbins (American Fork), 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren as well as two sisters, Terrie Bridges (Walnut Creek, California) and, Robin Blank (Rogue River, Oregon).

The Family would like to thank the staff at Welcome Home Assisted Living, especially Payton and Kaio. We would also like to thank Valeo Hospice, especially Tiffany, Jessica, and Barbara.

If you'd like to attend the service for Rae virtually, please click the following link to participate: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86448462565

“There is sunshine in my soul today, More glorious and bright Than glows in any early sky For Jesus is my light”