Ralph Smoot Turner

On February 15, 2025 our favorite cowboy took his last ride while surrounded by his family due to complications from ALS. Ralph Smoot Turner was born on June 8, 1945, to James Leslie and Diana Smoot Turner. He was the 5th of 6 children. Until his passing, Ralph remained close to his siblings and could often be heard sharing stories about growing up in Farmington, working at the dairy and the many adventures he and his siblings had. Ralph graduated from Davis High School in 1963. In 1964, he was called to serve an Australian mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he grew to love the country and the people of Sydney. After his mission, Ralph was set up on a blind date with the love of his life, Patricia Thurgood. They were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on September 8, 1967. They made their home in Syracuse Utah where they raised 3 children, Melanie, Kimberly Ann, and Kenneth Ralph. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way. Family meant everything to him. He could often be found entertaining his family with stories, providing words of counsel, or teaching a new skill. His grandchildren loved to spend time with him to listen to and learn from his life experiences. Ralph served as a clerk in the Army Reserves at Fort Douglas for 6 years while attending Weber State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Ralph worked for RC Willeys as a buyer then a salesman 27 years. After his retirement, he went to work for his brother Huck at Turner Electric and Excavation, which he loved because he was able to work outdoors with his brother, daily. Ralph had a strong work ethic and loved staying busy, so in his later years he worked for his friend Boyd Beazer at Beazer Woods building furniture until Boyd retired. Ralph was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in many callings throughout the years, including serving as a Bishop, High Counselor, Elders Quorum President, Stake Missionary and Temple Worker. He loved all his callings, especially when they offered him the opportunity teach the gospel and provide counseling. Ralph had a strong testimony of his Savior and spent his life bearing his testimony to others. In 1998, Ralph and Pat moved into their dream home with horse property. He spent many hours caring for and working with his horses. He loved going for long horse rides and would go as often as possible with family and friends. He instilled his love for animals in his children and taught them how to ride horses and properly care for animals. During his lifetime, Ralph made many friends. When he disappeared, his family knew he was making the rounds to visit and assist his many friends. His selflessness and many stories shared will not be forgotten. He touched many lives, as evidenced by the many visitors and phone calls during the last months of his life when he was unable to leave his home. Dad led a life of love and service. He loved our mother and demonstrated this daily. He worried about her all the time. During his last days, his thoughts were of her and ensuring she was being taken care of. His passing has caused a large void in our lives, but he prepared us well to be able to take care of each other by his example and guidance. Ralph is survived by his wife Patricia; his children Melanie (Bret) Gresham, Kimberly (Grant) Finlinson and Kenneth (Karleen) Turner. His brothers and sisters; Diana Morrill, Shirley Thompson, Norma Braithwaite, James (Joan) Turner, Huck (Jolaine) Turner. He was preceded in death by his parents James Leslie and Diana Smoot Turner; in-laws Kenneth and Jasmine Thurgood; sister-in-law Donnell Thurgood; four brothers-in-law John Morrill, Ortiz Thompson, John Braithwaite and David Thurgood. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Warren Butler for the years of care and concern he provided to dad up to his last days. Also, they would like to thank Intermountain Home Health and Hospice, especially his nurse Maggie, for all the care provided to him in the last few months of his life. In leu of flowers the family requests that donations be given to ALS United Rocky Mountain. A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 20th from 6-8pm. Funeral Services will be on Friday, February 21st at 11:30am with viewing prior at 10:00am at the Hooper Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 5375 S 5900 W Hooper, Utah. Interment will take place after at the Hooper City Cemetery Flower Delivery Notice: To ensure proper delivery, please send all floral arrangements directly to the location of the service one hour prior to its scheduled start time. Thank you.

Ralph Smoot Turner

June 8, 1945 - February 15, 2025