Ralph Simmons

1929 ~ 2010

Ralph Monk Simmons, age 81, passed away September 8, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born January 5, 1929 in Cowley, Wyoming, to Joseph Marvin Simmons and Johannah Monk Simmons. He attended schools in Cowley, Wyoming, and Brigham Young University.

Ralph was a dedicated man with strong ideals. Everything he did he put his heart into, and he was respected by all who knew him. He was an active member of the LDS Church and held many different positions in it during his life.

He served honorably in the U. S. Navy during the Korean conflict, and it was during his service that he met his sweetheart, Donetta Gay Glover, in San Diego, California. They were married on June 25, 1952 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They lived in California for awhile and then he was transferred to Hawaii where he finished his military service. Upon completion of this service, they moved to Salt Lake City to start and raise a family. They were blessed with three wonderful children, Michael J., Joni (deceased) and Robert L. They were also blessed with four grandchildren.

Ralph was the owner and CEO of United Optical Co. and worked in that capacity for over 44 years and partially retired recently. He was a fair-minded employer who cared about the people he worked with. He had many hobbies which he enjoyed. He loved working in his yard and building things with wood. He loved fishing, camping, traveling and cruising. He loved the mountains and enjoyed riding ATVs. His greatest joys were times with his family and friends.

Ralph served as a Church Service Missionary in hosting at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City for 9 years, along with his wife. It was a highlight in his life.

Ralph is survived by his wife Donetta, sons Michael J. Simmons and Robert L. Simmons (Merry), a brother Marvin Simmons, and four grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, daughter Joni, and sister Clara Robertson.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the East Millcreek Stake Center, 3103 E. Craig Drive (3600 South), Salt Lake City, Utah. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 15, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, and from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. at the stake center prior to the services. Interment will be at Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Our thanks go to the wonderful staff at the Holladay Healthcare Center.