Robert Alvarus Parry completed his earthly mission and started the next chapter of his life on February 9, 2026, nine days shy of his 95th birthday. He lived a life full of love, service and hard work and will be greatly missed by his family and friends who knew and loved him. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all throughout his life and held many callings.
Bob was born in
Orange, New Jersey to Alvarus Hanks Parry and Maurine Cotterell Parry. Four siblings were born after him. He lived in California during his early years and while in second grade his family headed east to Utah and stayed there for the rest of his youth. During his teenage years, he spent many summers in California working on his uncle's ranch.
After Bob graduated from East High, he attended the University of Utah. He put his schooling on hold to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in Hong Kong. However, he finished his mission in San Francisco due to the Korean conflict. After his mission he enlisted in the army where he served in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and other places. He enjoyed his time in the service as an intel specialist.
After his service in the army, Bob returned home and went back to the University of Utah. He began working at Deseret Book where his father, Alvarus, was the General Manager. Ruth Wagner worked there as well, and Alvarus decided to have the two meet. A year later they were married for time and all eternity on June 10, 1957, in the Salt Lake Temple.
Once Bob graduated from the University of Utah they moved to
Cambridge, MA to get his MBA from Harvard University. Afterwards, Bob and Ruth moved to
Denver, CO, for work. While there they had four children. Six years later they were transferred to
Orange, CA where they had one more child. They lived there for nine years and were again transferred to
Mukilteo, WA and resided there for six years. After Washington, Bob and his family moved to
Sandy, Utah where he became President of Monroc.
After his retirement, Bob and Ruth decided to serve a mission for the church in the England Birmingham Mission, where they made lifelong friends and wonderful memories. After the mission they continued to serve in various callings, such as working at the state prison's Oquirrh Family History Center for nine years, the Bishop's Storehouse for six years, and the Draper Temple.
Bob loved his family, and made it a goal to make them his top priority. He passed on his love of Disney to his children and grandchildren, his passion for golf to his grandsons, and ensured that his home was a place of love and comfort to all who walked in through the door. Every major holiday was spent at the Parry Home. He took special care of his backyard and loved to garden in his favorite straw hat, and in turn the grandchildren loved to play outside from spring to autumn and spend the night with the promise of a homemade breakfast. He loved making candy and sharing his sweets with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob and Ruth attended every birthday party, blessing, baptism, confirmation, band concert, art show, graduation, football game, and more for their grandchildren.
After Ruth unexpectedly passed away in 2024, Bob's daughters made sure there was at least one family member visiting him every day. Wednesday nights the grandchildren went over to have dinner, and watch a movie or listen to him share stories about his life.
Bob is survived by his three daughters, Beverly (Hal) Monson, Shelly (Duane) Harrison, Barbara (Todd) Glaittli, 12 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and his brother Doug. Preceded in death by his wife Ruth, their infant daughter Sandra, their son Russell, his parents Alvarus and Maurine, and his siblings Joyce, Connie, and Rick.
His family would like to thank the Veterans Association for all their help, and to everyone who came to his home to help with exercise and meals. They would also like to thank Doctor Tierney and all the nurses at Riverton Hospital, and the Hospice Team there as well.
The family will receive visitors on his birthday, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:45 at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy Utah. Graveside services will follow at 12:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
Although we will miss him terribly, we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with Ruth and all the loved ones that passed before him.