RALPH SIMMONS Obituary

Ralph Monk Simmons 1929 ~ 2010 Ralph Monk Simmons, age 81, passed away September 8, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born January 5, 1929 in Cowley, Wyoming, to Joseph Marvin Simmons and Johannah Monk Simmons. He attended schools in Cowley, WY, and Brigham Young University. Ralph was a dedicated man with strong ideals. Everything he did he put his heart into, and he was respected by all who knew him. He was an active member of the LDS Church and held many different positions in it during his life. He served honorably in the U. S. Navy during the Korean conflict, and it was during his service that he met his sweetheart, Donetta Gay Glover, in San Diego, California. They were married on June 25, 1952 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They lived in California for awhile and then he was transferred to Hawaii where he finished his military service. Upon completion of this service, they moved to Salt Lake City to start and raise a family. They were blessed with three wonderful children, Michael J., Joni (deceased) and Robert L. They were also blessed with four grandchildren. Ralph was the owner and CEO of United Optical Co. and worked in that capacity for over 44 years and partially retired recently. He was a fair-minded employer who cared about the people he worked with. He had many hobbies which he enjoyed. He loved working in his yard and building things with wood. He loved fishing, camping, traveling and cruising. He loved the mountains and enjoyed riding ATVs. His greatest joys were times with his family and friends. Ralph served as a Church Service Missionary in hosting at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City for nine years, along with his wife. It was a highlight in his life. Ralph is survived by his wife Donetta, sons Michael J. Simmons and Robert L. Simmons (Merry), a brother Marvin Simmons, and four grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, daughter Joni, and sister Clara Robertson. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the East Millcreek Stake Center, 3103 E. Craig Drive (3600 South), Salt Lake City, Utah. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, and from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the stake center prior to the services. Interment will be at Salt Lake City Cemetery. Our thanks go to the wonderful staff at the Holladay Healthcare Center.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Sep. 12 to Sep. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for RALPH SIMMONS

13 Entries

Mark Smith

September 22, 2010

Donetta, Mike and Robert, I was so surprised by the passing of your husband and father. He was such an inspiration to so many. I remember getting my Home Repairs merit badge through him. He taught it so masterfully and he gave us such real world experience at it. I have counted your family as some of my best and dearest friends.

September 15, 2010

Ralph was a very kind man and throughout the years of working with him was a joy while working at The Spectacle.
Lynn

Jerry & Carol Billings

September 14, 2010

Donetta, Mike & Family
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you with your loss. Carol & I throughly enjoyed the years you served with us on Temple Square. I have been privileged to see Ralph & Donetta while they were serving as 'Hosts' at the Conference quite regularly. I missed seeing both of your smiles as soon as I saw you. You two are great examples to all those around you. Our love and prayers go out to all of you.

Nathan Goyen

September 13, 2010

Dear Donetta and family,
I am sorry for your loss. Ralph was a great mentor to me and will always be remembered in my prayers.

Keri Smith

September 13, 2010

Dear Donetta, I am very sorry to hear that Ralph passed away. Some of my funniest memories was when I worked at United with you and Ralph. He had a sense of humor, but he always wanted the best for you and the company. My prayers are with you, and yours...

September 13, 2010

Dear Simmons Family,
We are very saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. You're all in our prayers.

Dr. Mathew & Maria Findlay and Staff

Mark and Terry Gilbert

September 13, 2010

Donetta and family,
We are so saddened to read that your dear Ralph has had to move-on. He was a great man, always so dignified, who we respected very much. We wish you well and our prayers are with you.

September 13, 2010

Dear Donetta, Mike and Robert. Our hearts are saddened to read of Ralph's passing. We will always cherish the wonderful memories at the Conference Center as we received your loving direction as one of our directors. Our prayers are with you and the family. May you feel the Saviors love and peace.
Our love,
Dick and Donna Pexton

Spencer D. Mortensen, staff

September 13, 2010

Dear Donetta and family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. We've enjoyed working with Ralph through the years. He will be truly missed by all. You are all in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.

Wendy Bentley

September 12, 2010

Dear Donetta and family,
Toney and I were saddened to hear about the passing of your sweetheart, father and grandfather. Over the thirty-seven years that we were neighbors and in the same ward, we grew to admire and appreciate Ralph for his kindness and integrity. May the Lord give you comfort and peace as you remember him and look forward to being together again.
With love, Wendy and Toney Bentley

September 12, 2010

Sympathy and respect to a great family in the passing of their patriarch and leader. In the 50 plus years that I knew and worked with Ralph I hold the highest repect of a hard working man of principles and honor. He was a help and blessing to our family as well as to many others. May it bring peace and comfort to you as a family, the good life he lived and the reward that awaits such.
With love, Irv Gardner and Family

Sam Thomas

September 12, 2010

Dear Simmons family,
Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Ralph was always a kind and out going friend and fellow Optician. Ralphs hard work and support of the Optical industry in Utah will always be remembered. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Martin and Sam Thomas

September 12, 2010

Dear Donetta, Mike and Robert, I will truly miss Ralph. My sympathy goes out to your family at this time. Our family's have know each other for many years, and through those years I have come to love and respect Ralph. I can say that Ralph was one of the most honest people I did business with over the years. I enjoyed passing his office door each day and just saying Hi because I would always leave feeling better for having done so. May your hearts be filled with love and comfort in the coming days.

Alan & Julie Seyboldt

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