Ronald Joseph Phillips

Ronald Joseph Phillips, 79, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at home in Springville on August 21, 2011, surrounded by his loving family after a 40-year battle with heart disease. Ronald was born on April 15, 1932, in Provo, Utah, to Joseph H. & Leah Muhlestein Phillips. Ronald grew up in Provo and attended Provo High School, graduating from BY High. He served a mission for 30 months to New Zealand, where he met and served with many life-long friends. While serving, he also met the love of his life, his eternal companion, Erma Jean Besendorfer. They were married on December 6, 1956, in the Salt Lake Temple and celebrated 54 years together. Ronald graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in finance and banking. He later went back to BYU, where he received a degree in Industrial Education. He began teaching school at Payson High School, embarking on a life-long career in teaching. His students built furniture, campers and trailers. He then developed a building trades program for Nebo School District, and, with his advanced students, built an entire house from the ground up every year. During his last year of teaching, the Utah State Office of Education named him "Vocational Educator of the Year" for the State of Utah. Ronald loved to build and assisted countless family and friends with their building projects. He built several homes, culminating with a beautiful cabin overlooking Soldier Creek Reservoir at Strawberry. He always loved hunting and fishing, and was never happier than when he was catching rainbow trout with his family aboard his boat "Molly Brown."

Ronald was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings such as Elder's Quorum President, counselor in the bishopric, a member of the High Council, and as the High Priest Group Leader. He also served for many years as an ordinance worker at the Provo Temple. His family was his highest priority. He loved spending time with his two daughters and son-in-law, beloved four grandchildren, and welcomed his first great-grandchild earlier this year. He loved his association with so many kind neighbors and friends, and traveled around the world with his beloved missionary companions and acquaintances. His family is especially grateful for wonderful neighbors who have provided so much service and support, and appreciate the dedication and friendship of his caring doctor and friend, E. William LeRoy.

Ronald is survived by his devoted wife, Erma Jean; his daughters Jeanna (Steven) Ross, and Jaclyn Phillips; four grandchildren: Philip (Lacey) Ross, Lauryn (Dallin) Koski, Ryker Ross and Jackson Ross, as well as one great-grandson, Gabriel Ross; brother Kent (Susan) Phillips, and many loving brothers- and sisters-in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jennette.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at 1 p.m. at the LDS church at 1965 East Canyon Road, Springville. Friends may call Friday, August 26, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville, or Saturday at the church from 12-12:45 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in the Charleston Cemetery, Wasatch County.