Ralph Douglas Hut

Obituary of Ralph Douglas Hut

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Ralph Douglas Hut passed away on October 7, 2025, following a long struggle with his health. He was born on August 7, 1948, in Amsterdam to John Bryant and Angelina Ylst Hut, and immigrated with his family to Salt Lake City at the age of one.

Ralph graduated from Skyline High School then joined the Utah National Guard. He served a full-time mission in Holland for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He married Geraldine Rees in the Salt Lake Temple, and together they had four children: John, Doug, Jennifer, and Chad. Following that marriage, he later married Deborah Gray.

Ralph was a charismatic salesman, beginning his career in his family's business, Vanderhooft Janitorial Supply, and later working in California with Brewer Electric. Over the years, he sold everything from mufflers and paint to awnings and tools.

He loved working on cars for friends and neighbors, and spent years devoted to his lifelong project: restoring a 1948 Willys Jeep.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Roy and Bryant. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his children, John (Judy), Doug (Becky), Jennifer Beckstead (Brandon), and Chad (Emily); his stepchildren, Joshua Marinos (Hadley) and Matthew Marinos; 14 grandchildren; and his sister, Celeste Wertz (Bob).

His family is grateful to the staff at Twin Oaks and to Deborah for the dedicated care they provided during his final years.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3151 South 900 East in Salt Lake City. A private graveside service will follow.

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