Deloy Ray Hult

Deloy Ray Hult, born Nov. 25, 1939 in Idaho Falls to Veda Marie Price and Deloy Walter Hult, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025.

Ray grew up in Salt Lake City and spent his summers with his Aunt and Uncle in Idaho working on the family farm. During his high school years Ray played football, boxed in the Golden Gloves, wrestled, and always worked a job; a favorite job being at KFC working for Pete Harmon.

After graduating from South High School in 1958, Ray joined the Navy and spent two years based in Guam. His strong work ethic and physical abilities set him apart, earning him recognition as “Sailor of the Month” out of 3,500 enlisted men. His commanding officer was a good friend for the next 30 years. After returning home at age 20, Ray was asked by a former boxing coach to manage the Dutch John commissary store during construction of the Flaming Gorge Dam. From this opportunity he was able to save enough money to open his own grocery store in Salt Lake City. This is where he met the “love of his life”, Ronda Nielsen, who shopped at his store with her roommates. Ray and Ronda were married on Nov. 21, 1964, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised seven children and currently have 24 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Ray had a huge heart and loved sharing all he was and had with those around him. He was passionate about creating lasting memories for his children and others; through week long horseback riding trips, hunting and fishing trips, snowmobiling, boating trips to Lake Powell, and motorcycling in the sand dunes. He truly loved people and was masterful at bringing them together and facilitating memorable experiences. He always had a joke to brighten your day. Having learned to scuba dive in the Navy, Ray passed on his love of scuba diving to his family, and there are 16 certified divers among his children and grandchildren.
Ray and Ronda spent 6 years in Kansas City, 10 years in Canyon Rim, then 8 years in Holladay, followed by Midway for the last 37 years, where they moved to fulfill cattle ranching ambitions that Ray had carried with him ever since his childhood years on the farm. While in the Heber Valley, Ray served in many civic and government capacities. He owned and operated River Meadows Ranch, where he ran 600+ head of black angus cattle. In addition to operating his business State Trailer Supply, Ray was also a licensed real estate agent and general contractor and was involved in many real estate projects in Utah, Arizona and Idaho. In the Heber Valley, Ray developed Wing Point Apartments, Greenfield Townhomes; and, the Heber Landing and River Meadows Ranch subdivisions. Ray’s drive and work ethic was legendary; his children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews were blessed to learn from him, and by the many employment opportunities he provided.

Ray was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many capacities. He loved his Savior, Jesus Christ and was humble and grateful for what he had been blessed with; especially the people in his life. He loved his employees and those he worked with and considered them family. Ray was always eager to lend a helping hand and find ways to bless others along their way, he will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jefferson and survived by his loving wife, Ronda and their six children, Mark (Holly), Eric (Tara), Kristine (Ryan Redd), Ronn, Kassie (Danny Fugal) and Holly (Mike Mahoney); 24 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, brother, Larry Julian (Debi) and sister, Vicky Meeke (Brent).

Viewings will be held at the Midway LDS Stake Center, 165 North Center Street, Midway on Friday May 9th, from 5-7pm, and Saturday May 10th from 10:30-11:30am. Funeral services to follow at 12:00pm on Saturday. Interment at the Midway Cemetery.

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