DeAnn peacefully passed away at her home in Price, Utah on Monday, March 30, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, her favorite stuffed animals, and her trademark bundle of yarn.
She was born on May 28, 1957, to Darwin Ernest and Darlene Blackburn Mabbutt. DeAnn experienced life with a childlike wonder and enthusiasm after a traumatic brain injury from her birth left her with an intellectual disability and a profoundly caring nature. She went on to form many special relationships with classmates, teachers, coworkers, friends, neighbors, family members, and pets. They all connected with her empathetic personality, contagious giggle, frequent sayings of “I love you!” spot-on Donald Duck impersonations, and even her feisty, rebellious side that she wasn’t shy about revealing from time to time.
She loved spending time with her mom, going on airplane rides with her dad and brother, the color green, fishing, camping, supporting her nieces’ and nephews’ games and events, visiting family in Delta, shopping for treasures, bowling, teasing her family and friends, reading the newspaper each day, all things Elvis Presley, McDonalds Happy Meals, and collecting a vast assortment of colorful jewelry that she loved to show off and wear – often all at once!
DeAnn absolutely loved holidays and her birthday. She was fortunate that for 68 years, to her constant delight, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny never missed a stop at her home.
She benefited greatly from her early childhood experiences at what was then the Ann Self School in Spring Glen, which set DeAnn on a path to loving school and building her own friendships, including with her long-time “boyfriend” Jerry. She later attended Castle Valley Center for many years until the closure of the adult program there several years ago.
DeAnn competed in Special Olympics and bowling tournaments, she worked for years through Castle Valley Center and volunteered at the College of Eastern Utah library where she was recognized as the Outstanding Library Volunteer in 1996. Through these experiences she earned ribbons, paychecks, and a well-deserved sense of pride in her own accomplishments.
DeAnn was her family members’ biggest cheerleader and the unconditional love she showed to those who showed up for her was an incredible gift.
She was strong and brave, persevering through brain surgeries, overcoming serious injuries, grieving the passings of family members and friends she adored, and most difficult of all, navigating the world after the devastating loss of her mother. Knowing she is reunited with her parents again brings her family great comfort.
DeAnn is survived by loving family members, including her brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Bobbi Mabbutt, Price, who served as her constant champions, guardians, and companions, especially after her mother passed away in 2020; her beloved stepmother, Linda Mabbutt, Delta; special stepsisters, LeLani (Sam) Haynes, Fruit Heights, and Lynnette (Kim) Hanson, Leamington; stepbrother and brother, Rondo Grimshaw, Delta; Jeff (Kristy) Mabbutt, Heber City; many nieces and nephews she was always proud of; and a wonderful community through RISE Services, including dear staff, roommates, and friends who showered her with love and attention and whom she loved deeply. DeAnn’s siblings also include Ray (LaRae) Cook, Roosevelt, Dawn (Jim) Leonard, East Carbon, and Pat (Nyal) Nessen, St. George.
DeAnn was preceded in death by her mother and best friend, Darlene Kartchner; father, Darwin Mabbutt; stepfather, LaMont Kartchner; sister, Kathy Mabbutt; and stepsister, Lee Kartchner.
DeAnn’s family would like to give special thanks to the team from RISE Services, including and especially Jessica, Tiffany, Brooke, Brandi, Missy, Addy, Maddy, Tom, and Michelle and the Symbii Home Hospice team Tiana and Casey, who all went above and beyond to help care for DeAnn in her final years and days.
Funeral service, Saturday, April 4, 11:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street, Price, Utah 84501), where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment, Price City Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to Special Olympics Utah, wearing green, or listening to an Elvis song.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of DeAnn online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.