Richard Henry Okelberry

Born on March 22, 1947, in Burley, Idaho, to Patricia (Avis) and Verl Okelberry, Rick called many places home, including Oakley, ID; Portland, OR; Bethesda, MD; Atlanta, GA; Yakima/Selah, WA; and Reno, NV.

Raised on a farm in rural southern Idaho, Rick knew the value of hard work. He often shared childhood stories and a typical day for Rick involved milking cows before daylight, attending church seminary before school, attending school, participating in after-school sports, and then returning home for more chores, dinner, and family time. Growing up on a farm requires hard work and commitment. Rick carried these values with him as he moved into adulthood and created his own path beyond the farm in Burley, ID.

After high school, Rick attended college at BYU-Idaho and went on to work as a Cytologist at the Yakima Medical Center Lab, where he retired 38 years later. In addition, Rick had several small businesses that helped support his large family and instilled his work ethic and dedication in his children.

More than his profession, Rick’s greatest joy was found in family, friendships, and community. At 20, he married his childhood sweetheart, Joyce (JoJo) Lenee Anderson. Together they built a loving family, raising five sons and three daughters: Richard (Todd), Travis, Tecory, Tara, Tige, Teala, Ta Ronni, and Tyson. Their family grew exponentially with spouses, over 20 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Rick’s home was always an open door, welcoming not just relatives but also countless friends who became like family.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rick held many callings, but none were more important to him than his work with the youth. He was deeply involved in coaching and mentoring young athletes throughout the Yakima Valley. Rick taught seminary at the LDS church and coached countless football, baseball, and basketball teams. He was also a dedicated referee and an enthusiastic fan at his grandkids' games. Competitive by nature, he had a gift for bringing out the best in others.

Rick raised his family in faith and instilled in his sons a sense of hard work, competitiveness, confidence, and compassion. His daughters were cherished, and they were adored like princesses. He showed them what it looked like to be loved, and they were true “Daddy’s girls.”

Whatever Rick did, he did it with all his might, and was committed to being the best he could be. Golf was his lifelong passion, and he played regularly. He also loved pool, pickleball, board games, and watching movies. He was always up for a road trip, and his happy place was in the company of others.

The room lit up when Rick walked in. His smile was captivating, and you could tell he was genuinely excited to see you. He greeted everyone with a hug and touched the hearts of many people. He was a wonderful man and truly one-of-a-kind.

Rick attended the LDS Church regularly. His faith in the Lord was unwavering, and his commitment to keeping the commandments and returning to his Father in Heaven and soulmate Joyce were forever strong.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Biggs Okelberry; siblings Susannah Bailey, Verl Chris Okelberry, and Eileen Tyler; sister-in-law, Peggy Latham; and brother-in-law, Kevin Anderson. In addition to his eight loving children: Todd (Teri), Travis (Brenda), Tecory (Tracy), Tara (Tim), Tige, Teala (Scott Johnson), Ta Ronni (Hershel Corbin), and Tyson (Kristal); 23 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members he took under his wing and considered his own.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia and Verl Okelberry, and his wife, Joyce Okelberry. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was an inspiration and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be Thursday, Feb 20th, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home, 1010 W. Yakima Ave. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb 21st, 2025, at the Selah LDS Church, 702 S 1st St, Selah at 11:00 am. To share a memory of Rick, please visit Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home