Ralph Everett Lugton

Ralph Everett Lugton left this life on April 15, 2017, five days before his 88th birthday. He was born April 20, 1929 in Boston, Mass. to Albert and Hazel Lugton. He graduated from Needham High School and attended Boston University. He married his sweetheart, Ruthie Sheppard in 1950. They joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1976 and were sealed in the Washington Temple March 17, 1978.

Ralph entered the US Army and served in Germany during the Berlin Air Lift and also served in the US during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Post 14 of Needham Mass and served as adjutant and Commander. He recently was a member of Post 23 of Heber, Utah and was Commander for l0 years.

Ralph spent over 35 years in the Insurance Business. He owned the independent agency of Page & Lugton Insurance and retired in 1984, moving to Heber in 1985.

Ralph worked for 5 years at the Zions Bank in Heber as a loan officer, retiring again to go on a LDS mission with his wife to the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission, where they served for 15 months as the office couple under two mission presidents.

He held many positions in the Church. Ward Clerk, Financial Clerk, Executive Secretary to two Bishops, Welfare Officer, Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader and High Councilman in Massachusetts. He was a dedicated Home Teacher.

He and Ruthie served in the Provo Temple as Ordinance workers for many years and
Ralph was able to greet patrons in over 32 languages at the Recommend Desk for 15 years.

Ralph was the Membership Chairman for the Heber Valley Chamber for over 12 years.
He loved to take pictures and was an avid Rockhound. He and Ruthie spent many hours with their children on camping trips, which sometimes included mining trips collecting rock specimens. Their hobby grew to the point of selling rocks and jewelry at the County fair and Rock and Gem Shows. They also taught classes in mineralogy to rock clubs, scouting groups and Larry Ward's earth science classes at their home. Both traveled together to many places: Alaska, Bahamas, Israel, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, England and Scotland. Ralph took up oil painting in recent years and also wrote 3 books. His pride and joy was maintaining his beautiful lawn.

He is survived by Ruthie, his loving wife of 66 years; his sons, Russell (Ellie), Warren NH; Roger (Patty), Martinez CA; Ronald; Fall River Mills, CA; One grandson, Shaun Lugton, Plymouth, NH; step grandson Ryan Shanna, step great granddaughter, Kayla Bessette, both of WarrenNH; sister, Eunice Peevey of Chicago,Il;2 nephews, Paul Troop Oakdale, CA, Mark Killinger, Aurora II; and dearest friends, Keith and Shanna Horner. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy (Raymond) Troop.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in the Daniel 2nd Ward, 2330 So Daniel Rd. Heber, Utah. Viewing will be on Friday the 2lst from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. before the services. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Huntsman Cancer Center, The Perpetual Education Fund of the LDS Church, or the charity of your choice.

Burial will be in the Heber Cemetery under the direction of Probst Family Funerals with military honors by American Legion Lockhart Post 23.