Deanna Rhae Elkins

A service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on February 6, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Viewing will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 9:30 a.m.

Deanna was born on January 5, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the only child of Theodore and Viva Rhea (Stahly) Miller. She completed high school and attended college before marrying James Elkins Jr. in Santa Ana, California. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Deanna worked for over 15 years as a bank teller and loan officer, but her life’s true work was serving others. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, friends, and especially to her faith as a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served diligently in many callings, including Relief Society President, Young Women President, Primary teacher, and Young Women’s camp director. Among her most cherished callings were teaching Seminary for nearly 10 years, serving in the Redlands Temple for over 20 years, and serving a mission with her husband in the Nigeria Port Harcourt and South Africa areas. In all she did, Deanna was a dedicated and faithful servant who gave her heart fully to the Lord and to those she loved.

Deanna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James E. Elkins Jr.; sweet granddaughter, Taryn Elkins; great-grandson, Kayan William Trujillo; and son-in-law, Jim M. Hawks.

She is survived by her four children: Shelley (Greg) Dettinger, Virginia Hawks, James E. Elkins III, and Jennifer Hunter. She also leaves behind 17 grandchildren: Jacob (Rebecca) Dettinger, Joshua (Kelly) Dettinger, Sarah Boyle, Hannah (Dallin) Ball, Rachel Dettinger, Jessika Gardiner (Ty Bradley), Matthew Dettinger, Mari (John) Wynn, Alathea (Tanner) Christensen, Kara (Lance) Futch, Tanner Hawks, Garrison (Misty) Elkins, Christian (Kate) Elkins, Jordan Hunter, Trent Hunter, and Jackson Boyce; as well as 35 great-grandchildren whom she adored.

Deanna will be remembered as a loving daughter, a devoted sweetheart to her spouse, a mother her family “couldn’t do without,” a caring grandmother and great-grandmother—but above all, as an obedient, loving, and faithful daughter of God.