In a profound testament to enduring love and community spirit, Owatonna parents Mariah and Garrett Deyo are transforming their immeasurable grief into impactful action, honoring their late daughter Raylynn’s short but vibrant life through a public celebration and ongoing fundraising efforts designed to support other families grappling with similar heart-wrenching loss.
Raylynn Deyo, described by her parents as pure “sunshine,” was a beacon of joy and vitality during her 17 months. Her life was unexpectedly cut short this past January due to a rare and aggressive form of bacterial meningitis, leaving her family and community in profound sorrow, yet inspiring a powerful movement of compassion.
The centerpiece of their tribute is an upcoming second birthday party for Raylynn, scheduled to take place at The Blast in Owatonna. This special event is conceived not as a somber remembrance, but as a joyful celebration of Raylynn’s spirited personality, coupled with a vital fundraiser benefiting IRIS, an organization dedicated to aiding families through loss.
Beyond the celebratory event, the Deyos have already initiated significant philanthropic endeavors in their daughter’s name. They made a substantial $1,500 donation to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, where a commemorative plaque now serves as a lasting tribute to Raylynn’s memory. Their generosity extended to providing essential items like socks for nurses from Owatonna Shoe, music therapy supplies from Tone Music, and comforting clothes and toys from BOLOFide, directly supporting patient care and comfort.
The couple’s vision for giving back continues to expand, with ambitious plans for future initiatives. They aspire to establish a Little Free Library in Raylynn’s honor, integrating a unique pop tab collection point for the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, Garrett hopes to cultivate pumpkins for distribution in the fall, a cherished activity he shared with Raylynn, and the couple plans to hand out fresh flower bouquets, symbolizing the beauty she brought into their lives.
The idea for the fundraiser at The Blast emerged from a heartfelt message Mariah sent on Facebook, soon discovering a serendipitous connection with the owner, Alex Morgan, whose own daughters attended the same daycare as Raylynn. This shared bond instantly solidified Morgan’s commitment, ensuring the venue for an event deeply rooted in community empathy.
Through these collective efforts, Garrett and Mariah Deyo aim to convey a powerful message of hope and solidarity: that the journey of healing after child loss is complex and non-linear, and no grieving parent should feel compelled to navigate their pain in isolation. Their openness and proactive support provide a vital lifeline to others experiencing similar anguish.
Thus, the community is warmly invited to gather at The Blast on Sunday, to partake in the simple joys of a twist cone, share smiles, and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of life, all while celebrating the enduring legacy of a little girl who perpetually radiated happiness and inspired profound acts of kindness.
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