Rulon Andrus Simmons' Obituary
Rulon Andrus Simmons September 1, 1939 - September 9, 2023
Rulon Andrus Simmons, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, peacefully passed away on September 9, 2023. He was born to Rulon Lee and Sarah Jane (Andrus) Simmons on September 1, 1939, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Rulon was raised alongside his siblings, Stephen and Caroline, in Ucon, Idaho.
During his high school years, Rulon was an active member of the pep band, marching band, choir, and the National Honor Society. He excelled academically and proudly earned the title of salutatorian when he graduated from Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls in 1957.
Rulon's life was marked by service and devotion. From November 1959 to November 1961, he dedicated himself to a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission. He served in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois.
On August 16, 1963, Rulon married his sweetheart, Helen Elaine Niederhauser, and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls temple. Together, they welcomed two children into their lives, David in 1964 and Lori in 1966.
Rulon's passion for medicine led him to pursue a medical degree. He attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, as a Pre-Med student and received an Associate Degree in Sciences. At Ricks, Rulon was in the ham radio club and the Ricks College Choir. He attended the University of Utah as a Pre-Med student and graduated with a B.S. in Zoology. He was a member of the University Chorus and participated in the world premiere of Samson with the Utah Symphony accompanying the choir. He earned a Ph.D. in internal medicine in 1968 from the University of Utah, graduating Cum Laude. Following his graduation, he completed an internship at LDS Hospital from 1968 to 1969.
Rulon served in the Army branch of the Armed Forces for two years, from 1969 to 1971. He was first sent to the Medical Field Training School at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, following which he was sent to Vietnam for one year. During his stay in Vietnam, he was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a home teacher and as the second counselor in the Group in his battalion. He also served as an organist for his Group, and for three months, he served as an organist for the Catholic Congregation. When Rulon was transferred back to the United States, he came home with a Good Conduct Medal and a Bronze Star. He was to receive a second Bronze Star, but he left before it was prepared and presented to him. He served with three other doctors and two dentists in his medical unit, which numbered over 100 men.
Rulon's dedication to medicine continued as he embarked on a residency at LDS Hospital from 1971 to 1975. His expertise shone as he served as a surgical resident in the first year and an internal medicine resident for the following three years.
In July of 1975, Rulon and a close colleague and friend, George Van Komen, started an office together in the Moreau Medical Building at the Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1979, Rulon and Dr. Van Komen moved to the Physician’s Office Building in the back of LDS Hospital where they practiced for ten years and then joined the Bryner clinic in 1989. They practiced there until 2005 when they moved to the Memorial Clinic in Sugarhouse, Utah. Rulon became a beloved and well-recognized doctor throughout the Salt Lake Valley, dedicating himself to his patients until his retirement in 2007.
From 1980 to 1990, Rulon served as a member of the Salt Lake City County Board of Health, actively contributing to his community's well-being.
Beyond his medical career, Rulon was an avid golfer who cherished his Wednesday golf outings. He shared memorable moments skiing with his son, David, in the snowy mountains.
Rulon's talents extended to music; he was a self-taught organist and a passionate pianist. He was told that he could have been a concert pianist due to his exceptional talent. His musical gifts led him to serve as the organist in his ward and play at church for several years. Rulon continued to play the piano until his physical strength could no longer support it.
Rulon served in many church positions. He was a priesthood organist, home teacher, deacon’s quorum president, among many other callings.
Rulon's sweet spirit, infectious smile, and laughter touched the lives of all who knew him. He shared the love of Christ with others and often offered his heartfelt wish: "take care."
Rulon is survived by his loving wife, Helen Elaine, his children, David (Julie) and Lori, his eight cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah (Andrew), Joseph, Stephen, Michael, Justin (Mandy), Kathryn, and Bryce, as well as his two great-grandchildren, Emily and Chloe. He is also survived by his siblings, Stephen (Janice) and Caroline (Samuel). He is preceded in death by his parents, Rulon Lee Simmons and Sarah Jane Andrus Simmons, and his dear mother-in-law, Helen Niederhauser.
Funeral services will be held at the LDS chapel, located at 12852 S 3200 W, Riverton, UT 84065, on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:00 am. A viewing will precede the funeral from 10:00 am to 10:45 am. Another viewing will be held on September 15, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the same LDS chapel, 12852 S 3200 W, Riverton, UT 84065. The interment will take place on Monday, September 18, 2023, time to be determined, at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park, located at 17111 1700 W, Bluffdale, UT 84065.
What’s your fondest memory of Rulon?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rulon?
Share a story where Rulon's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rulon you’ll never forget.
How did Rulon make you smile?