10/06/2026
Ralph W Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on October 3, 2026, in Santaquin, Utah, at the age of 91. His life was rooted in Faith in Jesus Christ, love for his family, and the values of hard work and service.
Ralph was born on March 4, 1935, in Afton, Wyoming, to Clarence Taylor and Viona Williamson Taylor. One of six children, he grew up surrounded by the mountains, rivers, and ranchlands of Star Valley. He remembered its beauty with deep affection throughout his life. From his parents, he learned integrity, loyalty to family, gratitude for the Savior, and a willingness to work hard—lessons that shaped the man he became.
Ralph attended Brigham Young University, where he studied animal husbandry—the care and breeding of livestock—and participated on the livestock judging team. In 1955, He was called to serve in the East Central States Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His experiences as a missionary and the friendships he formed
remained precious to him. Decades later, he returned to places where he had served and found joy in discovering how seeds of faith had continued to grow.
While on his mission, Ralph began corresponding with Patricia Jones, a young woman he had first dated in high school. Their letters became the beginning of a lifelong partnership. On June 19, 1957, Ralph and his beloved “Patty” were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they raised ten children. In his life story, he wrote with enduring
tenderness and admiration for her character, goodness, and faith.
Ralph served in the United States Army, receiving training in radio teletype communications and serving with the 69th Signal Battalion at Fort Meade, Maryland. After his military service, he and Patty returned west to build their home and raise their growing family.
Ranching and farming were an important part of Ralph’s life. He worked alongside his father and later operated a dairy and cattle farm near Hamilton, Montana, in the Bitterroot Valley. He approached the work with determination, ingenuity, and an interest in finding better ways to do things. Yet he understood that his greatest riches were
found beyond the farm. Reflecting on his life, he wrote, “I have a good family, and I have the gospel.”
His faith guided his choices and his desire to serve. Ralph served in many church callings, including twice as bishop. In Dillon, Montana, he cared for his congregation while also running a ranch and raising a large family with Patty. He later served as bishop of the Idaho City Ward, which encompassed more than 100 square miles. In each calling, he encouraged people to care for one another, reach out to their
neighbors, and put love into action through service. Later in life, Ralph and Patty also served a mission together in Texas, giving him the opportunity to return to missionary service with his beloved wife by his side. Ralph also had a playful sense of humor. His life story includes youthful adventures, family pranks, and mishaps he could laugh about afterward. Alongside those stories are heartfelt expressions of gratitude for the people who taught, helped, and loved him.
Preserving family history mattered deeply to Ralph. He wanted his children and grandchildren to know their ancestors and understand the experiences that had shaped their family. By recording his own memories, he left them a lasting gift: his voice, his
testimony, and a window into the life he had lived.
Ralph’s legacy lives on in his family and in the example of faith, perseverance, gratitude, and service he leaves behind.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, and two sons, Joe and James. He is survived by eight children: Cregg (Lori), Susan Dent (Reed), Leanna Lundell (Gary), Sam (Chris), Heidi Milburn (Trace), Rebecca Peterson (David), Clarence (Bonnie), and Milton (Marie). He is also survived by his sister, Claire Speirs, and many grandchildren
and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary fund. A viewing will be held on October 10, 2026, 11:00am in the Afton 3rd Ward Building, with the funeral at 12:00pm, and interment in the Afton cemetery.
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