Ronald George Oram

The family of Ronald George Oram are saddened to announce his passing in Murray, Utah on August 25th. He was 82 years old.

Ron was born in Payson Utah to Bill and Lola Oram, the oldest of six children. He grew up in Elberta Utah with his siblings: Rosemary, Merrill, Leola and Alan.

In his youth in Elberta, Ron got his first horse, Apache. He loved Apache although the horse was sometimes reluctant to be ridden. Ron would tempt Apache with a bucket of oats, but after a few bites, Apache would bolt. This became a familiar routine, with Ron eventually throwing the bucket and stalking away- only for Apache to come running back to him. At least two of his siblings tell stories of Ron setting them on Apaches bare back, the horse taking off at a gallop and resulting in a tumble and, once a broken arm.

As a boy he had a paper route and later worked in the mines in Eureka in his early twenties. He also spent time working alongside his dad and the church farm. Here, he learned the value of hard work; a trait that would define his life. Ron attended Goshen Elementary School and Jr High School and graduated from Payson High School. Ron married his High School sweetheart Deanna Montague on June 5th 1964 and they were blessed with four children: Brett, Becky, Bill and Lee. Their marriage ended in 1976

Ron met Judy Shannon McKinney when she was working in the front office and as a surgical assistant at the veterinarian's office where he took his horse. Oddly, that once healthy horse seemed sickly after that and needed repeated visits to the vet. Ron and Judy married on July 3rd, 1989. He and Judy were perfectly matched. They remained dedicated to one another and inseparable until his death. They worked side by side on the ranch and in life.

Ron was a calf roper, a farmer, a ranch manager and a brand inspector. He was a welder and could grow a beautiful garden. Some periods in his life found him doing many of these things at the same time. He worked hard from early in the morning until after dark in any kind of weather. He could build or fix anything. He loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed leather work. Ron had a beautiful singing voice and was a great cook. We remember his sourdough scones or Hungarian goulash. We liked the scones more than the goulash.

Ron and Judy have spent the last 34 years in Sanpete County. They love their rural lifestyle, being surrounded by farms and pastures, good friends and neighbors. "There is no place prettier than Oak Creek", he'd say. He really was happy anywhere if Judy was by his side.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Lola Oram, and by his infant sister Lola. He was also predeceased by his two stepsons, Josh McKinney and Shan Jacobs, as well as his grandson, Sam Oram, and son in law, Manny Gambino.

He is survived by his sweet wife Judy and his children Brett (Jolynn), Becky Higginson (Brian), Bill (Rachele), and Lee (Courtney) as well as stepdaughters Anjeanette (Wendy), and Jubalen. He leaves behind 22 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Oh how we love and miss you.

We appreciate the kind and gentle care provided by the staff at Intermountain Medical Center.

A memorial will be held in his honor on September 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Olympus Ranch 971 East 5600 South Murray Utah.