Rae Ann Beard

Rae Ann Beard, cherished wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, in Richfield, Utah.

Born on July 5, 1942, in Bell, California, Rae Ann was the only daughter of Wallace S Manwill and Elaine Thorne Manwill. She was preceded in death by her devoted parents as well as her two brothers, Dean and David Manwill.

Rae Ann leaves behind her loving husband, Clark Wagner Beard, and their six children: Ryan Beard (Kori), Robyn Beard Chambers, Lance Beard (Lee Ann), Layne Beard (Becca), Tracy Beard Leavitt (Doug), and Trevor Beard (Kim).

Rae Ann's early years were marked by her athleticism and love for horses. As a standout member of the Girls Athletic Association in High School, she lettered in basketball, volleyball, tennis as well as several other sports and was proud of her athletic accomplishments, but it was her passion for horses that led her to become the Rodeo Queen of Orange County at the age of 20, a title she cherished along with her fond memories of barrel racing and participating in local rodeos.

Rae Ann’s life was defined by a beautiful, enduring love story that began at a high school football game near a popcorn stand when she was just 14. After initially trying to play matchmaker for a friend, with a handsome football player, Clark Wagner Beard, she soon found he only had eyes for her and after a storied courtship, which included Clark buying a horse just to spend more time with her. They were married & sealed in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on July 16, 1965.

Together, they raised their family, starting in Placentia & Yorba Linda California for the first 25 years then moved to Centerville Utah where they finished raising their children and then spent the last 25 years of their life together in Koosharem Utah. Rae Ann's talents as a cosmetologist and seamstress allowed her to connect with many people wherever she lived, as she shared those talents with her family and friends throughout the years.

Rae Ann was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout her life and shared her love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with her friends over the years. She served in many callings in her life but most of all loved serving in the Bountiful Utah LDS Temple with Clark while they lived in Centerville. She will be missed by all who love her.

A “Celebration of Life” open house will be held in her honor at the Koosharem, Utah LDS Chapel on February 22, 2026 starting at 12:00 pm for friends and family who want to come and share memories of Rae Ann and her life.