Valynn Ellen Draper Dutson

Our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, Valynn Ellen Draper Dutson passed through the veil to join her beloved husband, whom she has so greatly missed, on June 21, 2025 surrounded by family at her home in Hinckley, Utah. Valynn was born on December 3, 1936 in Logan, Utah to Clark and Vira Draper. She had a fun and adventurous childhood living in Dayton, Idaho; Ibapah, Utah; Omak, Washington; Owyhee, Nevada; and Mescalero, New Mexico during her early childhood. When Valynn neared 11 years old her father retired from the Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program and moved their family back to Millard County, which Valynn called home for the remainder of her life. Valynn loved to share her many stories of her adventures during those early years.

At the age of 18, Valynn met her eternal companion, Carl Smith Dutson. They were sealed for time and all eternity on September 9, 1955 in the Manti LDS Temple. They were blessed with eight children whom they adored and found immense joy. Valynn was a full-time mom and housewife throughout most of her adult life. She was a highly talented and devoted mother and wife.

Valynn served in many callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout her life she served as a Service Missionary, Relief Society President, Sunday School Teacher, Activity Days Director, and Primary Teacher, etc. She loved teaching and working with the youth. She loved to share her testimony and did her best to assist in The Lord’s missionary work in anyway she could.

Valynn is survived by her children: Cathy (David) Feltch of Dutch John, Utah; James (Misty) Dutson of Hinckley, Utah; Barbara (Wayne) Leaders of Kansas City, Kansas; Jo Ann (Rodney) Carter of Grantsville, Utah; Sheri (Allan) Bate of Kanab, Utah; Christy (D. Shane) Finlinson of Hinckley, Utah; 18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren; her siblings: Vee Ann Fiedrich of Spanish Fork, Utah; Dean (Monique) Draper of Scipio, Utah; Jeannie (Rand) Maxwell of Spanish Fork; brothers-in-law: Floyd (Colleen) Dutson and Doyle (Susan) Dutson both of Hinckley, Utah; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Carl Smith Dutson; sons: John Scott and Peter Dutson; parents; her older brother: Clark R. Draper; brothers-in-law: Fay Dutson; Ray Dutson; William Fiedrich; sisters-in-law: Susan B Dutson, Julie Draper, Audrey Draper, and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services: Saturday, June 28, at 11:00 a.m., at the Hinckley LDS Chapel, 188 N. Main Street. Viewing: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., prior to the service. Friends unable to attend in person are invited to view the recorded video of the service. Burial in Hinckley Cemetery.

Mom’s preferred obituary: “The only things people need to know is I lived and I died.” Valynn D Dutson. Short obituary stolen from her daughter, Jo Ann Carter.