Ralph Lavern Richardson, age 86, of Heber City, passed away on December 20th, 2016 in Provo, Utah. He was born December 9th, 1930 in Virden, New Mexico. He was the fifth child and only son of Ralph Richardson and Sarah Geneva Whipple. He graduated from Virden High School and also attended Eastern Arizona Junior College and New Mexico State Teacher’s College. He graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. He served in the Army during the Korean conflict, stationed in the U.S., Germany, and France.
As a young man, he served in the East Central States Mission for two years. At BYU he met Norma Anne Welch, and they were married September 11th, 1958 in the Salt Lake Temple. They served together in the Oregon, Eugene Mission in 1994 and 95. They also served in the Provo Temple together for over 15 years.
After working in the dairy industry in Heber Valley for 10 years, Ralph worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 23 years, retiring in 1992. He was a self-taught master gardener who loved to share his flower and produce with friends and family. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many different leadership positions, including bishop of the Heber 11th Ward from age 78 to 83.
Ralph worked for many years in scouting including scoutmaster. He was awarded the Silver Beaver by the Boy Scouts of America in 1999. He loved to go hunting, fishing, and camping, especially with his four boys and special friends. He was a man who loved people and they loved him in return.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Geneva Richardson; his four sisters, Eudora Richardson, Rowena Root, Truena Love and Laree Herbert Martin and their spouses. He survived by his wife, Norma Anne Richardson, and his children, Laurie McIntosh, David(Janice) Richardson, Scott(Kendra) Richardson, Larry (Gwen) Richardson, Tracy (Suzanne) Richardson, Lisa Ott (Mike Eggett), Noelle (Tom) Thomas; also by 22 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 27th at the Heber North Stake Center (521 E. 500 N., Heber) at 11:00 am. There will be a viewing at the same location the evening before from 6 to 8 pm and prior to the funeral, from 9:30 to 10:30 am.
We express our sincere thanks to all who have contributed in any way to the comfort and aide of our family. We also express our appreciation to the Probst Family Funeral Home for their assistance and care.