July 22, 1939 ~ Jan. 31, 2024
Ralph Leon Smith passed from this earthly life on January 31, 2024.
He was born July 22, 1939 to LeRoy Bluemel Smith and LaVell Wright Smith. His family consisted of an older brother, Phillip, just younger than him a set of twins, Douglas and Diane, and a younger sister, Ellen.
He grew up in both Delta, Utah and Phoenix, Arizona. Summers were spent in Delta working on the 4L Ranch and other farms. When fall came, the family moved to Phoenix. He enjoyed school and was proud to say that he graduated from Camelback High School where he excelled in science and music. He was an excellent musician playing the alto sax. After high school, Leon attended Brigham Young University for two years and then served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North West Mission that covered Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Upon returning, he went to Utah State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry and Chemistry.
On December 22, 1961, Leon married Nellie Nadine Turner and they had five children; Ralph LeRoy, Roger Lee, Richard Lon, Russell Lynn, and finally a girl, Tonia. They were later divorced and he married Carma Dudley Kimball. Later divorced.
Leon was active in the community of Delta where he coached little league football, taught hunter's safety courses, and served in the Boy Scout's Program in Sutherland. He served as the Justice of Peace for Delta City, was a member of the Millard County Jeep Posse where he served as commander, and served on the ambulance crew as an EMT. Leon was a member of the Millard County Planning Commission and the Millard County Building Inspector for years until he retired.
He loved the outdoors if it was fishing or hunting or just out for a good camp he loved being in the mountains. He always had a friendly smile and loved being around people. He enjoyed many local events. As a member of the Sugarloafer's Motorcycle Club, you could find him on many weekends in his motor home headed to the races where he would pit for the club members that were racing. He was a lot of fun to be around. Those were some of the best of times.
Being an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Leon served faithfully in the Manti and Payson temples. He enjoyed working there and meeting people. He had a great love for his faith and his Savior.
Leon is survived by his children, Richard (Merrie Jo) Smith; Russell (Wendy) Smith; and Tonia (Kelly) Cox; 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Douglas (Laura) Smith; sister, Ellen (Larry) Draughon. He is preceded in death by his sons, Ralph LeRoy Smith and Roger Lee Smith; brother, Phillip (Lorene) Smith; sister, Diane (Dennis) Jacobson.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 11 a.m. A viewing will be held Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Sutherland Ward Chapel and prior to services from 10 to 10:45 a.m at the Sutherland Ward Building. Interment will be at the Sutherland Cemetery under the care of Olpin Stevens Funeral Home. Online condolence can be offered at www.olpinstevensfuneralhome.com. The funeral will be streamed and available at this link: https://youtube.com/live/4SteZTtk2Es?feature=share
The family would also like to thank all the wonderful people at the Millard Care & Rehab Center in Delta, Utah. We can't thank you enough for your kindness, devotion, care, and selfless love shown to him. Thank you so much!
A special thanks to the Sutherland 2nd Ward for their compassionate service, love, and support.
