Ray "Papa" Dean Huggins

“Papa” Dean Huggins died peacefully in his home on 04/13/2023. He lived a full and happy life and leaves behind a legacy of laughter and memories.

He was born Ray Dean Huggins on 11/21/1935 in Moroni, Utah, to Elaine and Odell Huggins. During his life, he was married 3 times. Each wife brought him new kids to love. From his biological kids to his step-kids, to so many grandkids and great-grandkids.

He is survived by his sister Charlene, daughters Sharon, Colleen (Susan), Dionne, Laurie (Tommy), Brandy (Ralph), Tammy (Jennifer), and Summer, son Frankie (Alexis), his daughter-in-law Tiny, and multiple nieces, nephews, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

He was preceded in death by 3 wives. While he loved each differently and at a different time in his life, his love of all was Theresa who passed just a short 19 months ago. They spent 29 years together, full of love and laughter, bringing three families together to form one. She was his “Momma Muffin” as he so lovingly called her. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Elaine and Odell, brothers Vernon, Frank and Steve, sister Myrna, and son Tommy (Tina), and daughters Linda and Christina.

Those who knew Papa Dean loved him. He was prankster at heart, and even after his passing, still managed to get in one last jab. When his daughter-in-law was finishing up his after-care and went to move him to what would look like a more comfortable position, his right arm flung up and punched her square in the forehead.

Papa Dean loved the outdoors. He was a hunter and a fisherman and loved his fishing trips with his best friend Don. He taught his kids and grandkids to hunt and fish, and always (tried) to have patience for his grandkids’ antics while they were growing up. He loved his trips to Sutherlands just to browse the store and get his ice-creams.

Special thanks goes out to his hospice care team who took wonderful care of him and his comfort the last few months. Thank you also to his son Frankie and daughter Sharon for taking care of him since his Momma Muffin passed, and to his daughter-in-law Lexi for her care and help the last few days, as well as granddaughter Brittany for being by his side the last night and taking care of him until the end.