Ralph Thomas

Ralph Thomas passed away just after midnight, Wednesday June 8th, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his son Jeff, his daughter Becky, his son-in-law, Scott Pedler, and his five grandchildren: Brandon (Holly), Kiara (Jordan), Jessica (David), Justin (Mary), and Kamie.
There will be a closed casket reception from 10:15 am until 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at the Memorial Estates Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
A brief funeral service and grave dedication will follow at 11:00 am. A family luncheon will be held afterwards at the Latter Day Saint Chapel at 2925 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
A few words about the life of my father Ralph Thomas:
Early Years
Ralph was a tremendous example of what a person can overcome and accomplish despite the most challenging of circumstances. Ralph was born into the great depression, but that was the least of his challenges. His mother walked out on the family without a word when he was 11, his brother was 9, and his sister was 7. The children had no idea where she had gone, and they were left with their alcoholic father. They tried to make a go of it, but the authorities became aware that the children were left alone during the week. Their father was trying to make a living working for the railroad many miles from home. The kids were dispersed to three separate foster families and they lived separate from one another from that point forward. He was moved from home to home throughout his teenage years. Ralph’s very troubled father died when he was just 14.
Military Service
At age 17 he joined the Navy. He had to find his mother in San Francisco to obtain her permission to join at that age. He served in the Navy as a sonarman for two years. After serving in the Navy, he attended Utah State University under the G.I. Bill. At Utah State he joined the ROTC, which resulted in him being called to serve in the Korean War as an Infantryman for one year. His original aspiration was to be a pilot until he dipped an airplane on the end of its nose during his first training flight. That was the end of his flying career.
Following active duty, he continued school and graduated with an Economics degree. After graduation he taught school for one year at Murray High School. Subsequently, he started working for the State of Utah in the Employment Security Office where he worked for many years as an adjudicator and then as a supervisor. He served in the Army Reserve until he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Family and Retirement Years
Ralph married Ivy Jo Olsen on September 4, 1954. They were unable to conceive children, so they adopted two children, Jeff and Rebecca (Becky). During their marriage, he always had two jobs and sometimes three to provide for his family so that Mom could stay home with the children. After his retirement, he found employment as a Bellman simply because he enjoyed talking with people. He was also a constable for several years.
Ralph loved his Aggies! He was a loyal supporter of the school and the football program for over 50 years. No matter how good (or bad) they were, he would drive to Logan in the fall to see them play every home game.
He took up golf at the age of 40. He loved golf, though he was never very good at it (sorry, dad). He played most often with Jeff but when Becky was 10, she started golfing with Ralph. She loved playing with him, but she hated wearing the shoes. She was, and is, the barefoot golfer.
On Ralph’s 80th birthday, Becky gave him a bowling ball and Jeff gave him bowling shoes. He soon became addicted to the game and he bowled as often as possible – usually once each week. He got to be pretty good and occasionally would beat Becky and Jeff. On one particular occasion when he was 91, he trounced Jeff by 40+ pins! He really loved the game and bowled until he was 92.
He was a very simple, and yet, a very complicated man. He was loving, kind, generous, thoughtful, goofy, opinionated, gruff and grouchy. Quite a combination of traits. He started out in very rough circumstances and he (like his siblings) overcame and persevered. Those of us who knew him well will miss him immensely. We love you Dad (G-Pa).
He loved his grandchildren, each and every one (their spouses, too!). He constantly asked about the grandkids and was thrilled every time they called or visited. Likewise, the grandkids love him a bunch.
A very special thanks goes out to Dad’s caregiver, Tui Tuitupou and to her team. Tui and her team took tremendous care of Dad and he loved the care that he received.
Service Information

Funeral Service
June 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM
Memorial Mountain View 3115 E 7800 S Cottonwood Heights , UT 84121