Ronald came into this world on high gear ready to get things done on January 23, 1968 in Los Angeles, California to Ronald and Marlene Simmons. At age 5, he moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah where he spent the majority of his youth and developed may priceless, life long friendships. Ronald loved scouting and received his Eagle Scout award at age fourteen. As a gifted athlete he excelled in swim team, track and had a deep a passion for basketball and was awarded first team all-state his senior year. Ronald was also actively involved in choir and served as seminary president at Pleasant Grove High School Seminary.
Following graduation from Pleasant Grove High School, Ronald attended Brigham Young University for a semester before being called to serve for two years in the Germany, Frankfurt Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After returning from his mission and back again at BYU, Ronald met Stephanie Du Bois at a fireside where in his words "a beam of light shown down from the heavens" and he knew he was determined to eventually marry this girl and one thing for sure- whatever Ronald puts his mind to he achieves and so it was, and to the greater blessing of Stephanie, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in May 1990. This alone serves as the most valuable decision either one of them has ever made throughout their lives.
Their sealing began 26 years of unbelievable adventures including graduation from BYU, moving to Miami, Florida for Medical School and Orlando, Florida for internship and residency while doing always putting family and multiple church responsibilities first. After adding five practically perfect children to their adventures and graduating from Medical School, we began Ronald's 18 year career as a gifted Family Practice Physician, practicing in California, Tennessee and Utah-gathering up so many memories and cherished friendships along the way. Ronald was adored by his patients, loved his work at various clinics culminating to obtaining his dream job with Duke Medical Clinic which bought him such great joy to be involved in it's conception and development.
Ronald taught his family love for the outdoors, camping, fishing, golfing, gardening, yard work, the heath field, good food, and trying new things, but most of all love for missionary work, family, and and the limitless powers accessible through the infinite atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ of which he drew from daily especially throughout the last years of his extraordinary life.
Ronald served whole heartedly in various callings in the church throughout his life from multiple bishopbrics , young men's president, high council, high priest group leader, elders quorum president and Sunday School president to Sunday school teacher, Scout Leader and committed home teacher and left this world as the current ward mission leader which he no doubt will continue that calling throughout eternity!
As Ronald has reunited now with his oldest son, Rylan, they will join forces to serve together and prepare for his wife, Stephanie and four other children, Shayli Cottman (Drake), Selleka, Syvanna and Ryker Simmons as well as his sweet grandson Cole Christopher Cottman.
Ronald also goes ahead of his parent's Ronald and Marlene Simmons, and his extraordinary brothers and sisters, Todd Simmons (Stacy), Rhonda Call (Jason), Sumer Vellinga (Richard) and Brandon Simmons (Michelle) , father and mother in-law Steven and Ilsa Du Bois and multiple brother and sister in laws, nieces, nephews and cousins and countless of friends all of whom brought him unbelievable joy and limitless support.
Also Receiving Ronald are his grandparents, Fern and George Jacobsmeyer, and grandfather Kenneth Simmons, his sisters in-law Michelle and Sara Du Bois and great friend Bert Smith as well as countless ones.
As our hearts are so broken at this time being separated physically from our extraordinary, super hero- husband, father and friend we choose to find strength in our knowledge that In the pre- mortal realm we knew and worshipped God as our Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which we could obtain a physical body, and gain earthly experience to progress to perfection and ultimately realize our divine potential as heirs of eternal life. Our family is certain that the divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally. On this truth, we place our hearts and eternal happiness.
We would like to express our gratitude for the physicians and staff at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital for not only their pristine care but also patience and friendship throughout our mission their, specifically Dr. Shami and Dr. Zander who worked tirelessly with the Lord to extend Ronald's life and dreams to the fullest measure and extent. We also would like to give special thanks to Bob Birnbaum and Dwight Preston at Perry Family Medicine/Duke Medical Clinic for showing Ronald such wonderful friendship, respect and love and putting unbelievable faith in him regardless of his health concerns. You gave him the gift of allowing him to live out one of his dreams until his last breath. And we know Ronald would want us to publically thank his great friend and brother at heart, Shay Holley for truly walking with him through every step of his last 3 years, deeply concerned for his care, comfort and support to the last moment of his life.
Services to celebrate Ronald's full and extraordinary life will be held this Saturday, December 3, at 1:00pm at the Marriott-Slaterville chapel- 250 North 1500 West Marriott-Slaterville, Utah. Viewing and time with the family will be available that same day from 11:30am-12:45pm. Special thanks to Meyer Mortuary in Brigham City for their unmatched care and attention.
