Jane Deona Roberts Hobbs, age 81, passed peacefully away surrounded by her family Thursday August 17, 2017, at their home in Ammon, Bonneville County, Idaho. Deona was born October 1, 1935 to David Ephriam Roberts and Viola Jane Gardner in her grandmother's home in Afton, WY. She was the youngest of seven children in addition to three half-brothers and one half-sister from her father's two previously deceased wives. Deona married Earnest LaGrande Hobbs in the Logan, Utah LDS temple September 11, 1953. They were blessed with four sons, one daughter, 22 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way. Her brother, DeLaine Roberts, taught her how to play softball. She loved the game. As an All-Star in Etna, WY, nothing got past her on first base and she was always a home run threat at-bat. Deona enjoyed working with children and youth. While living in Bradenton, Florida she established the first primary in the Bradenton Ward. In her later years she was loved by a group of young women in Etna she worked with. In Florida Deona sang in the Sweet Adeline Chorus. She had a great ear for music and sang in many competitions and gatherings. Deona enriched many peoples' lives with her talent as a decorative artist. After moving to North Ogden UT, she and a friend started a small business, The Tole Cottage, teaching art classes. Deona's work was distinctive and beautiful. Her specialty was painting carousel horses. While living in North Ogden, families were asked to take in Navajo children for the school year. Their only daughter had always wanted a sister, and so the family was blessed with a Navajo sister, Lorraine Yazzie for 5 years. She was a loved member of the family. Always committed to her family, Deona worked in the Weber High School (Ogden, UT) cafeteria to support her oldest son serving a mission for the LDS church. Students loved her baking, especially the cinnamon rolls. After retirement, LaGrande and Deona moved to Etna, WY where they built a home on the homestead where she grew up. During that time Deona joined the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and served as an assistant captain in the group. As they aged, LaGrande and Deona moved to Ammon, ID to be near two sons and their families. They provided loving care and support for Deona during their twilight years. She is survived by her husband, E. LaGrande Hobbs; sisters-in-law, Laura Witzel (Ray) and Cleo Ward; children, Brent L. Hobbs (Kathy), Jeannie H. Griffin (Spencer), Brian R. Hobbs (Jill), David Bruce Hobbs (Joanne), Bradley H. Hobbs (Dori), along with 22 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. Her door was always open to family, friends, and those in need. Her table was always full of good food and good times. The most important things in her life centered around her husband and family.

Viewing: Thursday August 24, 2017 6:00 PM
Funeral: Friday August 25, 2017 1:00 PM
Burial: Friday August 25, 2017 2:30 PM