Ronald O Ragsdale

Ron was born in Boise, Idaho on December 10, 1932 to Frank and Louisa Ragsdale, ten minutes later, his twin brother Donald was born. After returning from his LDS mission to South Africa, Ron attended BYU where he met the love of his life, Eileen Morse. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 12, 1956, and have been blessed with five children, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

After graduating from BYU, they went to Illinois where Ron received his PhD in inorganic chemistry from the University of Illinois, then to New Jersey for three years as a research chemist. Next he embarked upon a 49-year career as a chemistry professor at the University of Utah.

Ron had a passion for education and teaching, and he loved the University. He was a Ute through and through. In addition to teaching general chemistry to more than 50,000 undergraduate students, 4,000 high school students, 2,000 summer enrichment students, and mentoring 100+ high school chemistry teachers, he authored more than 100 publications in research and education.

His career accomplishments are numerous and legendary. He has been honored by international, national, state, university, college, and departmental awards. His leadership brought the International Baccalaureate program to the U.S. where he was the first American to serve as its Chief Examiner in Chemistry. He was also Chief Examiner for the Advanced Placement program for Chemistry. He originated the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad, a chemistry competition for high school students that involves over 17,000 students from 76 countries.

Ron believed in giving back. He and Eileen founded the Ragsdale Scholarship Endowment Fund that provides scholarship support and teaching awards, allowing the Ragsdale tradition of excellence in teaching chemistry to continue.

Ron was well known for his annual Faraday Christmas lectures, an explosive, action-packed demonstration featuring chemical reactions and experiments. Dressed as a 19th century chemist in top hat and tuxedo, he educated and entertained audiences of all ages. His Faraday lectures became the most anticipated and well attended lecture series on campus.

While teaching workshops throughout the world, Ron developed a love for travel and adventure. His journeys include most every U.S. state and well over 100 countries. Some highlights were trout fishing in New Zealand, exploring ancient ruins in Ephesus, Peru and Mexico, floating in the Dead Sea, and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 72.

Always up before sunrise, Ron made the most of each day. He enjoyed being active, loved sports and competition, whether it was playing tennis 3-4 times a week well into his 80’s, weekly ward basketball games, or cheering on his beloved Utes during a football game. He served faithfully in his church all his life, one of his favorite callings was team teaching Gospel Doctrine class with Eileen. He appreciated fine art and reveled in collecting the Old Masters, especially Rembrandt and Durer.

Most of all he loved his family and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. He was always there to support them, whether it be financial, spiritual, or a just a shoulder to cry on. Ron’s passing has left an incredible void in the lives of many, but also a legacy of living life to the fullest. He leaves behind his loving wife and constant companion of 63 years, Eileen, three children, Krista Nielson, Steven (Naomi), and Janice, along with 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, son Jeffrey and daughter Sandi Thomas.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the Suncrest 3rd Ward Chapel, 14977 S. Round Tree Lane, Draper, Utah. Viewings will be held at the same location on Wednesday, January 22 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Thursday prior to the service from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Interment will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.