Ruby Renae Sortot

Ruby Renae Sortor passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born May 14, 1956, to Beverly June Leighton and Dale George Sortor and was lovingly raised by Bill Leighton, whom she loved dearly. Renae was a devoted mother to her three children, Samantha Howie (Holland), Jessica Edwards, Christopher Valenty. Renae attended ISU Vo-Tech and throughout her life worked as a secretary at USMC, Bannock Nursing Home, School District 25, and later at Green Triangle.

In 1987 she married Michael Sievers, and the two worked side by side running Sievers Masonry. She also helped build and operate Intermountain Storage Units on Burley Drive. In 2003 she began caring for her grandchildren, something she loved deeply, which later became a small daycare filled with laughter and cherished memories. Her marriage to Michael later ended in divorce in 2012. She later worked as a care giver before retiring. Renae loved horseback riding, hunting, gardening, and caring for her home. She had a special love for animals and spent time fostering dogs and cats. She also enjoyed leather work, painting ceramics with her mother, and many kinds of arts and crafts. In her younger years she loved dancing, singing, roller skating, and playing pool, and she had a special love for her 1969 Mustang. Her caregivers lovingly called her “Nae Nae.” and made them all laugh and loved them.

Renae was preceded in death by her mother, Beverly Leighton; her father, Dale Sortor; the father who raised her, Bill Leighton; her brother, Donald Sortor; and her son, Christopher Valenty. She is survived by her daughters, Samantha Holland and Jessica Edwards; her grandchildren, Dakota Edwards, Jay J. Hamann, Caliegh Fallows, Angel Hamann, Maddy Fallows, Chase Reynolds, Damion Valenty, Aryana Valenty, Logan Valenty, and Leo Holland; eight great-granddaughters; her brothers, Ronald, Rodney, and Rocky Sortor; and her lifelong best friend, Lori K. Crystal.

A celebration of Renae's life will be held later this summer, with details to be shared with family and friends. She may be gone from our sight, but she will never be gone from our hearts. Family and friends are invited to visit DavisRoseMortuary.com to share condolences, memories, and photos.