Ronald Goodrich

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     Ronald J Goodrich, age 87, of Bluebell, passed away September 27, 2023 at the Landmark Assisted Living in Vernal, Utah, with his family at his side.
    Ron was born April 20, 1936 in Bluebell, Utah to Leland Leslie and Verona Winkler Goodrich. He was the middle of three sons, Bruce being the oldest and Gary the youngest. They were raised on a dairy and sheep farm. They eventually sold the dairy and sheep herds and began raising beef cattle. 
    Ron began dating Sharleen Young while she was still in high school. They were married on June 1, 1956 in Altonah, Utah. They were sealed July 26, 1973 in the Provo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They raised their four children in Bluebell. As a family, they enjoyed spending time working and playing at their mountain property. Sharleen passed away March 31, 1997, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  Ron was devastated but filled his time by visiting his kids and making memories.
    He married Gwen Holgate Funk March 6, 2004. Gwen and Dad took good care of each other and enjoyed traveling together. They later divorced. He married Myrna Newman Fabrizio on January 27, 2009.  They spent several happy years together. Ron and Myrna enjoyed visiting their kids, driving to the mountains, and going to the sawmill. He and Myrna loved going to the temple and participating in temple sealings. They divorced but remained dear friends for the remainder of Ron’s life.
    Ron loved running heavy equipment including bulldozers, graders, trackhoes and semis. He was a gifted operator and could pick out a grade by sight. He worked on several projects in the area including Big Sandwash Dam and Starvation Dam. Other employment included the Bonanza Gilsonite Mine, Kennecott Copper Mine, and the Stauffer Chemical Phosphate Mine. He treasured his time serving on the Upper Country Water Board and enjoyed associating with those involved there.
    He also handled animals with expertise. He trained many horses over the years including competition horses for his children and race horses. He was a dedicated farmer and rancher who turned sagebrush into alfalfa. He bravely tackled any project. He and Sharleen owned  the Bluebell Store and the Country Flair for over 20 years. Over this period of time, they formed many relationships and made lifelong friends. They cared deeply about their employees and their customers, many of whom became like family. 
    As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ron served as Sunday School President, Elders Quorum President, Ward Executive Secretary, and Ward Clerk under several bishoprics.

    He is survived by his children: Teri Lyn (John) Peters, Sue (Jack) Wood, Bill J (Audrey) Goodrich, Angie Norton; grandchildren: Dennis, Kamilla, Dustin, Kristin, Kathrin, Ronald, Brett, Jason, Robert, Sharee, Carson, Preston, Mallory, and Mykka; 25 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Bruce (Loretta) Goodrich, Gary (Nonalee) Goodrich, sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Ron) Brown and Marilyn Young. His nieces and nephews were dear to his heart and he loved to spend time with them. He was preceded in death by his wife,  and his parents.
    Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Altamont Stake Center. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00-10:45 AM. Burial at the Bluebell Cemetery. 
    In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to help improve the Altamont rodeo grounds. 

Send donations to: 
Upper Community Recreation District 
P O Box 385
Altamont,  UT, 84001.