MONROE — Ronald D. Utley, 84, passed away and was reunited with his sweetheart, Shirlene, June 10, 2023, in Monroe. Ron was born Jan. 13, 1939, to Deleal Jay and Louisa Twitchell Utley in Joseph. Ron grew up in Joseph and graduated from South Sevier High School where he met his sweetheart, Shirlene Slade. They were married for over 50 years and sealed in the Los Angeles temple.
Ron was an educator. He held degrees in education from Southern Utah University and Brigham Young University. He enjoyed teaching third grade at Ashman Elementary, and he later became the principal there. While teaching third grade he was part of a unique team that spearheaded the Gooseberry education program. He ended his career as an administrator at Salina Elementary with more than thirty-four years in the education system.
Ron shared his love for nature and animals with his students and his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially trapping. He was known for his beautiful furs, and the Utah Trappers Association awarded him the Utah Trapper of the Year in 2001. Ron was also a farmer, with a farm in Joseph and corrals behind his home in Monroe where he raised cows, sheep and chickens. He was a master gardener, growing one of the best gardens in Monroe. The town was blessed and fed with a large variety of vegetables. When he wasn’t working on the farm or in the garden, one of Ron’s favorite pastimes was a ride on the West Mountain for a load of wood, a picnic, or to look for an arrowhead.
Ron was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as the ward clerk for many years. He also belonged to the Monroe Lion’s Club, and he enjoyed his association with other Lions throughout the area. He enjoyed and admired his friends and the countless fishing trips, pine nut gatherings, rides around the valley, and hunts. You could often find him at the Flying U enjoying his favorite treat: a cold Pepsi and some popcorn.
Ron is survived by his children, Tamara (Mauri, deceased) Parsons, Kari (Johnny) Parsons; and Kelly (Maury) Gleave, all Monroe; Kort Utley, Salt Lake City; Josh (Tasha) Utley, Monroe; his brother Kent Utley, Las Vegas, Nevada; brother-in-law, Jay Lynn (Sheri) Slade, Washington; sister-in-law, Roberta Utley, Monroe; and brother-in-law, Walt LeFevre, Taylorsville
Ron has 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, with three baby girls joining the family this fall. Ron was so proud of his family; they were his pride and joy.
Ron’s family would like to thank the staff at the Richfield Care Center and the staff and hospice care givers at the Monroe Canyon Assisted Living Center.
Graveside services will be held Friday, June 16, at noon in the Monroe City Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday evening at Magleby Mortuary in Richfield from 6 to 8 p.m., and at the Monroe Stake Center Friday morning from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the graveside services.
Live streaming of the services and online guestbook can be found at maglebymortuary.com under Ron’s obituary.
Funeral directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.
