Ralph Gatherum

Ralph Stanley Gatherum

Ralph Stanley Gatherum, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Layton Tuesday, November 25, 2014.

Ralph was born January 11, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the oldest child of John and Lois Gatherum.  Ralph grew up in Salt Lake. He attended Jefferson Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and graduated from South High School.  He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years during the Korean War.  He was stationed at several bases in the United States and the Pacific. After his military service, Ralph attended the University of Utah, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science and a secondary teaching certificate in 1967.

Ralph married Doneta McGoingle June 19, 1968, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.  They raised their two children, RaDon and Daron, on the family farm in Layton. Although he was raised in the city, Ralph quickly learned to be a farmer. He spent hours outdoors on the tractor, milking cows, and hauling hay.

He began his career as a science teacher at Lincoln Junior High.  He later moved to West High School, where he taught science and student government.  He retired in 1995, after 28 years of teaching.  He loved his job, and the students loved him.  He made many life-long friends, and influenced thousands of students.  He was a master teacher.

Ralph loved to be outdoors.  He spent his summers taking his family on many unforgettable adventures in Utah and neighboring states.  He taught his children and grandchildren everything there is to know about rocks, plants, and animals. He loved to hunt and fish. He was a talented artist and a great cook.  Ralph had an amazing sense of humor and a positive attitude.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His Church service started when he was ordained a Deacon at the age of twelve and continued until his health failed him. He worked mostly with the youth, serving as Young Men’s President on a ward and stake level, as an Aaronic Priesthood Advisor, and as a Boy Scout Leader. Ralph also served as a counselor in the 30 ^th Ward Bishopric and as a financial clerk in three Layton Ward Bishoprics. Because he was teacher with the summer off, he often was assigned to attend girl’s camp and many other summer youth activities.

Ralph leaves behind his wife Doneta; his daughter RaDon (Mont) Andersen; his son Daron (Jennifer); his grandchildren Madeline, Alex (currently serving in the Utica New York mission), Brendan, Ashlyn, Corbin, and Tate.  He is also survived by his brother Verl (Arlene), and his sisters Janette Jeppesen and Ann (Dean) Thomson, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and neighbors.

The family would like to thank the staff of Specialty Nursing, especially Peggy, Deseret, Brenda, and Debbie for their compassionate care of Ralph. We would also like to thank South Davis Hospice for their respectful treatment of Ralph.

A memorial will be held Friday, November 28, 2014 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. at the Layton 6 ^th Ward LDS Chapel, 1402 North Fort Lane, Layton.  Please come share your memories of Ralph.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 29, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road, Layton.   Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 North Fairfield Road, where military honors will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up the McGonigle-Gatherum Teacher Scholarship account with the First National Bank. We encourage people to contribute to this fund.