RALPH OKERLUND

RALPH OKERLUND Monroe, Utah - Ralph Ole Okerlund, 72, Monroe, passed away peacefully October 9, 2024, at his home with his sweetheart, Cindy, by his side and surrounded by his family. Ralph was born July 28, 1952, in Salina, to Gerald and Jean Okerlund. He married Cindy Gray on August 4, 1972, in the Manti Utah Temple. As a young boy, Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandparents, living in Wayne County and Wayne County always held a special place in his heart. He grew up loving and playing sports, causing mischief with his siblings, and working closely with his dad, his uncles, and his brothers on the family dairy farm. As a high school athlete, Ralph was a member of the 1970 South Sevier High School state championship basketball team and he excelled on the diamond as a baseball player where he created memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime including finding the love of his life, Cindy Gray. Following high school, Ralph's athletic career continued at Dixie College where he was chosen unanimously by a vote of his teammates as the most valuable baseball player on the collegiate team. After marrying his high school sweetheart, he then transferred to the University of Utah where he studied political science and minored in English and philosophy. Following his graduation from the University of Utah, Ralph earned his teaching license from Southern Utah State College. His professional career began as an English and history teacher at South Sevier High School where he also started his love for community service by coaching numerous youth and high school athletic teams. After teaching for five years, Ralph bought his father's dairy and returned to his love for farming and raised his kids on the family dairy where he taught Justin, Tiffany, and Shannon the value of hard work. He led by example by showing his kids how to do chores. Despite his love of farm work, he also made time for family traditions on the mountain where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. Ralph loved to serve his community and became involved in local government as a volunteer fireman and later a city councilman in 1980. He then became mayor for two terms, county commissioner for three terms, and served as a Utah state senator for twelve years. His community service totaled more than 30 years. As a state senator, he was voted the senate majority leader and served as chair of numerous committees. After retiring from the Senate, Ralph remained active as he followed his grandchildren and traveled with his wife and family. His favorite activity was spending quality time with his ten grandkids. He also loved his back porch paradise surrounded by his family watching his grandkids play ball. Ralph was particularly appreciative of the extra time he was able to gain with family due to the miraculous work of his many doctors that were able to successfully perform heart and kidney transplants for him and manage his health. Ralph was always thankful for these blessings granted him by a kind and loving Heavenly Father. And, he showed his love for the gospel by serving in many church callings and was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Of all his accomplishments, he always viewed his eternal family as his greatest accomplishment. He is survived by his wife Cindy; son, Justin (Mindy) Okerlund; daughter, Tiffany (Ster) Brindley; and daughter, Shannon (Stuart) Hepworth; 10 grandchildren; brother, Russell (Christi) Okerlund; sister-in-law, Pam (Raymond) Jensen, all Monroe; and, sister-in-law Kathy Lister, Richfield. He is preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Jean Okerlund; brothers: Les and Chris Okerlund, and brother-in-law Rod Lister. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 12:00 Noon in the Monroe Stake Center, 140 South Main. Friends may call at the Magleby Mortuary Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., 50 South 100 West, Richfield, and at the stake center in Monroe Monday morning from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com