Robert Grant Peay

Robert Grant Peay—beloved father, grandfather, stepfather, brother, and husband—returned to his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 following complications from a stroke and seizures.

Born January 4, 1946, to Grant Ferrin Peay and Blanche Marie Clegg Peay, Robert grew up in Springville, Utah, with his two sisters, Deanna and Debra. After high school, he married Zelpha Kay Shoell, and together they raised eight children.

Much of Robert’s life was rooted in Springville, where he helped his father run a used car business—washing, waxing, and repairing cars. He had a love for fast cars, especially his cherished blue ‘66 Chevy Malibu. He once secretly upgraded the engine before a drag race and won handily. As a young man, Robert raised pigeons, loved his dog Shorty (who pulled him around on roller skates), and found joy in the simple, quiet things.

Robert had a deep love for motorcycles and proudly rode his Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster, a Father’s Day gift from his wife Mary Jo. His church quorum often joked about being jealous—they just got ties or breakfast in bed.

Family adventures were important to Robert. He loved taking road trips, going camping, and making Christmas magical—with both evening and morning celebrations. Every year, he would head to the mountains to chop down a tree for the family. His vehicles and home were always spotless, earning him the reputation for having the shiniest red Dodge Ram in town. When he cleaned, the house was filled with 60s music and Elvis Presley—his favorite musical artist. His cars always had Elvis license plates.

Robert was a dependable and hardworking man. He spent 16 years at Geneva Steel in Provo, working in the Coke Mill until it closed. His strength and physique earned him the nickname “Arnold Schwarzenegger.” After that, he worked for the City of St. George Parks and Recreation Department, where he cared for parks, planted trees, and helped with city events. He also cleaned the Dixie Center with his daughter, later joined by his wife. He also worked at the St. George Recreation Center as a Custodian from 2014 to his passing, 2025. His boss said “he was golden,” and he had to be replaced by two people when he left.

Through great loss, Robert showed incredible strength. His first wife, Zelpha Kay, became paralyzed from transverse myelitis and passed away in 2009. Between 2008 and 2009, he also lost two sons. In 2011, he lost a grandson. He found companionship in his dog Lacy, a dachshund who he often said “saved his life.” They were inseparable.

In 2010, Robert married Mary Jo Finlinson Schaub. They lived in Springville before moving to St. George in 2014. Robert remained close with his sisters and brothers-in-law, Arnell and Joe. He loved the family gatherings, homemade salads, and conversations around lawn chairs, just as his mother had always wanted—keeping the family close.

Robert was deeply grateful for the service and love of others, especially Arnell Davis, who helped with home projects. I want to thank Russ and Tiffany Weekes, Rick and Wanda Bublik, for their help in providing rides to and from the hospital, and to our Bishop and members of the 1st Ward for their help. He also appreciated the kind and Christ-like care from Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care and the Neuro Unit at St. George Regional Center, and the dedicated nurses, therapists, family and friends who stood by us.

Robert is preceded in death by: His first wife, Zelpha Kay Shoell (2009)'; Sons: Robert Dale Peay (stillborn 1970), Kevin (2008), and Chad Robert Peay (2009); Grandson: Kayden Rhoades (2011); Son-in-law: Mike Rigtrup; His parents, Grant Ferrin Peay and Blanche Marie Clegg Peay

A graveside service will be held at the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 No. 800 E., on Wednesday July 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., provided by Olpin Stevens Funeral Home. A brief open-casket viewing will be held beside the hearse at 10:30 a.m. before the service. After the grave dedication, all are invited to release balloons in honor of Robert. There may be a need for extra chairs, if you want to bring one.