Family remembers Ogden woman found dead in Cedar Canyon, was pioneer in trucking industry

CEDAR CANYON, Utah (ABC4) — The woman who was found dead in Cedar Canyon on the evening of June 27 has been identified, according to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office has identified the deceased woman as Anne Yevett Rochelle, 60, of Roy. Her death was determined to be of natural causes.

Just after 7:35 p.m. on June 27, Iron County deputies responded to a report of a deceased individual, later identified as Rochelle, found along Coal Creek between mileposts 3 and 4 on SR-14 in Cedar Canyon. Upon arrival, deputies found Rochelle’s body beneath a bush near Coal Creek.

“The Iron County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the family and friends of Ms.
Rochelle.”

The Rochelle family has issued the following statement on Anne’s death:

We were deeply heartbroken and shocked to learn of Anne’s passing and the circumstances in which she was found. It is natural for us to have many questions and to feel sorrow that she was alone in her final moments. However, after visiting the site where she was camping and discovered, we have found peace in knowing she spent her last days exactly as she wished.

Anne was a complex and deeply courageous person who faced challenges with both her physical and mental health over many years. She loved her family as much as she was able and supported them whenever she could. Anne was strong, independent, and adventurous — a true explorer at heart. She loved traveling and discovering every dirt road her vehicle could reach.

Anne was clear in her wishes: she did not want to spend the end of her life confined to a nursing home or hospital. She wanted to be surrounded by nature, free and unrestrained. While this loss has been incredibly difficult for us, we find comfort in knowing that she spent her final months and moments camping and exploring, true to who she was. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the ending they desire, and for that, we are grateful.

Due to the suddenness of Anne’s passing, our family has established a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. We wish to honor her life and provide her with the dignified farewell she deserves. Any contribution, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated. An official obituary will be shared in the near future.

Finally, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the first responders involved in this case, as well as the Iron County Animal Shelter and Animal Control Officer for their compassion—not only toward our family but also toward Anne’s beloved dog. The kindness and support we have received from Iron County have been a profound comfort during this difficult time, and words cannot fully express our appreciation.

With gratitude,
The Rochelle Family

Jamie Player, Anne’s eldest daughter, has also spoken out about her mother’s passing:

40 years ago, Anne was one of the first women locally, to join the male dominated trucking industry. She spent years learning how to operate everything from tarping a flatbed, driving a grain train, operating a dump truck and backing up a 53′ trailer. She started her own trucking company, Three Gals Trucking, named after her family. After retiring from trucking she enjoyed giving back to her community. She spent a few years working with Cottages of Hope in Ogden, in their People Helping People program as an advocate for the homeless community in Ogden. After retiring again, she went on to do what she enjoyed most, traveling and going on adventures with her beloved dog and guardian, Hank. 

If you would like to donate to the Rochelle family, you may do so via GoFundMe here.