Deanna Slayden Torfin

Deanna Slayden Torfin
February 10, 1937 - February 25, 2015
Deanna Slayden Torfin passed away peacefully with her family by her side February 25, 2015 of natural causes. Deanna had recently celebrated her 78th birthday. She was born February 10, 1937 to Hazel Ione Godfrey and Charles Cecil Slayden in Pocatello, Idaho. Deanna was raised in Pocatello where she graduated from Pocatello High School. She married Dennis Torfin in 1958. Dennis and Deanna had 4 children, Janelle McArthur (Lorin) of Ammon, Idaho, Daniel Torfin (Ann) of Eagle, Suzie Williams (Bruce) of Meridian and Christoffer Torfin (Stacy) of Singapore. She loved her precious 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and three more on the way. She lived in Pocatello, Idaho; Bozeman, Montana; Ogden, Utah; Logan, Utah; Lake Tahoe, California; Orem, Utah and for the past 40 years Boise, Idaho. During her career she worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and United States Post Office. She was an avid Boise State Bronco fan, and member of Sons of Norway.
If you had one word to describe Deanna it would be "Angel." Her life was never about herself but always in service to others. She touched so many lives because of who she was. Deanna did not have a small circle of friends instead her arms were wide and outstretched to encompass everyone. If you knew Deanna, then you were a recipient of her good works! You could have received a fresh loaf of homemade bread, yummy cinnamon rolls, her vanilla syrup, some black berry jam, or a heart shaped chocolate. Maybe you received a phone call or a visit, or joined her monthly "Out-to-Lunch Bunch." You might have spent time with her at family reunions or came to an Easter egg hunt, Thanksgiving Dinner or even joined in Christmas Eve festivities. No matter how you knew her, we know that she has left a mark of love in your life. There never was a stranger with Deanna. Everyone was a friend, from the people in line at the market, to the person sitting next to her on the airplane. She told them her story and was eager to hear theirs. Love radiated from her no matter where she was. She would call you to see how you were, worry for you so you didn't have to, and pray for you to be happy. Deanna loved having her family around her and found so much happiness in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed the quiet moments of individual family visits to the noise and chaos of everyone together. She believed in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and tried to follow his example of unconditional love. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she found many opportunities to do what she does best ... serve. What a blessing she was to all around her. Her influence will be felt for generations as they look at the life of Deanna Torfin, our Angel, and follow her example of service and love. Deanna is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dennis, her brother Jack of Pocatello, Idaho, and her four children. Deanna was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dennis, and Sister Barbara Blackhurst.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Monday, March 2, 2015 in the LDS Chapel located at 3700 S. Maple Grove Rd., Boise. The family will greet friends on Sunday evening from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Relyea Funeral Chapel and again on Monday morning from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the church prior to services. Interment will follow at the Dry Creek Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Relyea Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the follow organizations in her name: Sons of Norway, Youth Scholarship Fund, Grondal Lodge #2-122, 2011 N. Larch St., Boise, Id 83706 or Idaho Public Television, PO Box 4, Boise, Idaho 83707-0004.