Stephen Rawlings

Stephen William Rawlings, Sr.

June 10, 1934 – January 5, 2019

Stephen William Rawlings, Sr., long-time resident of Bingham Canyon and West Jordan, Utah passed away January 5, 2019 into the arms of his sweetheart, Ellen.  Bill, 84, passed away in Payson, Utah surrounded by loved ones.

He was born June 10, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Stephen George and Evelyn Mabel Sparkes Rawlings.  Bill fought a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  He will be greatly missed by his family; especially his daughter, Patricia, who has cared for him the last 2 ½ years of his amazing life.

Dad had an amazing sense of humor, the cutest smile, and always a twinkle in his crystal blue eyes.

Bill married Ellen Rae Chesnut on February 4, 1955 in the Salt Lake Temple.  They enjoyed many happy years together.   Bill and Ellen were temple workers serving at the Jordan River Temple for eight years.  After Ellen’s death, Bill was lost for a time but met Bernice Beecher and they were married June 5, 2009 in the Jordan River Temple.

Bill graduated from Bingham High School in 1952 and continued his education at Trade Tech in Salt Lake City, Utah majoring in diesel mechanics.  He retired from Kennecott Copper Corporation after working 37 years.

Bill was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in many capacities, some of which were Elder’s Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, Ward Financial Clerk, and Temple Ordinance Worker.

Bill is survived by his three children; Patricia Rawlings Steadman (Howard), Ruby Jane Mecham (Mark), and Stephen W. Rawlings, Jr. (Robin), sister Sharon Drake, 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.  He is preceded in death by his parents, wives Ellen and Bernice, sister Joyce Drake and a great granddaughter, Leslie.

Friends may visit family from 6-8 pm, Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Jenkins Soffe Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 11, 2019 at Garden Cove Ward, 1945 West 9000 South, West Jordan, Utah with a visitation from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services.

Services under the direction of Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary.

The family would like to thank Shelly Erickson for her loving and compassionate care in assisting with dad’s care and the staff at Mountain View Hospital for their loving care the last day of his life.