Ronald Conrey Critchfield, our beloved suspender-wearing, joke-telling, gentle giant, passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 24, 2024, in Spanish Fork, Utah, due to complications following colon cancer surgery. He was 83 years old.
Ron was born on November 24, 1941, in Magrath, Alberta, Canada, to James Loren and Laverne Ovard Critchfield. A 3-pound premature baby, Ron was sent home in a shoebox, not expected to survive. But against all odds, he defied expectations and lived a full, wonderful life.
Ron attended Magrath High School in Alberta. At the age of 15, he made a pivotal decision to live with his grandparents, Arthur Biggerton and Lettie Leonora Critchfield, who nurtured his faith and helped him prepare for his life of service. With their support, Ron served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia, in the areas of Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne sharing his deep love for Christ with others.
After his mission, Ron moved to the United States and attended Brigham Young University, where he met the love of his life, Sandra Shepherd. After a brief courtship, they were married for time and eternity in the Manti Temple on July 22, 1964. This past year, Ron and Sandra celebrated 60 beautiful years of marriage.
Together, Ron and Sandra built a legacy of love and faith with their five children: Terry Behrman (Darrell) of Pueblo, CO; Michael Critchfield (Shaunie) of Spanish Fork, UT; Sandy Puc (Nathanael) of Littleton, CO; Kimberly Greening (Carl) of American Fork, UT; and Mark Critchfield (Laura) of Castle Rock, CO. They are blessed with 22 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Ron is survived by his sister, Arlene Kuyten of Magrath, Alberta, Canada, and sister-in-law, Lillian Critchfield of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Laverne, and his brothers, Daniel, Melvin and Edward.
Ron was a painting contractor for 55 years. His true passion was serving others. A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he held many callings throughout his life. He served seven years in the Mount Timpanogos Temple, ten years in the Provo Utah Temple, and two years in the Provo City Center Temple, the latter two alongside Sandra. In 2017–2018, Ron and Sandra served a two-year service mission in Springville, Utah, forming lifelong friendships and touching countless lives.
Ron and Sandra opened their home to over 140 foster children, leaving an indelible impact on those young lives. Many of these children remain close to them, a testament to the love and care they provided.
Known for his quick wit and warm humor, Ron’s daily goal was to make someone smile, and he never failed to brighten the lives of those around him. He was a man of unwavering faith, a skilled handyman and a compassionate friend who was always willing to lend a hand—whether fixing something with duct tape, helping a stranger on the side of the road or quietly giving cash to someone in need.
Ron’s life was centered on his love for God, his family and his Savior, Jesus Christ. His unshakable faith in the Atonement was the cornerstone of his life and the example he set for others. He taught that no matter what we face, there is always hope, redemption and love through Christ.
Ron leaves behind a legacy of service, faith and love. His presence here on earth will be deeply missed, and we find comfort in knowing this is not goodbye and we will be reunited with him again.
Til we meet again.
Viewing will be held at Walker Mortuary
Friday, December 27, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Walker Funeral Home
187 South Main St.
Spanish Fork, Utah
Viewing will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
5916 South 3200 West
Spanish Fork, Utah
Funeral
Saturday, December 28, 2024 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
5916 South 3200 West
Spanish Fork, Utah
Interment will follow at Springville Cemetery 400 S 200 W St, Springville, Ut 84663
6 Condolences for Ronald Conrey Critchfield
Condolences(6)
Joni Trewartha says
December 26, 2024 at 5:21 pmI’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I loved being your neighbor in Orem and having Ron as our home teacher for a while. I will never forget the time he was joking with us about his eyes when he said that they always encouraged the missionaries to look eye to eye at the people they were teaching. He was so serious when he said he could look at them eye to eye to eye! He really could make everyone laugh. I have been sick for a few days so I will miss being able to come to his funeral or viewing. I would love to give you a big hug, but would feel awful if I were to get you all sick too. Please know that I love you and will always treasure being neighbors and friends with you.
Deanna Martens says
December 27, 2024 at 4:45 amUncle Ron,I never got to know you but I knew you were very special and I loved you. To his wife and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. You’ll all will be in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
Kent A. Burggraaf says
December 27, 2024 at 8:47 pmWhen I was a young boy, Ron (and Sandra) showed me an example of a better way to live. Ron, Sandra, and their children had such an impact that even to this day, I have vivid memories of my interactions with them. Ron and Sandra, you were so charitable to open up your home to me and others. You truly were a model of Christ-like love. My life is better because of you. My sincere thank you for how you lived your life. May the Lord continue to bless you, Ron, and those of your family who are still here, cherishing their memories of you. Until we meet again in the life hereafter, I pray that you will be well.
Marc Green says
December 28, 2024 at 11:54 amMy favorite story i have with Ron is on the way to California headed to Disney i was sti8ng in the front rear middle seat of the Subrban. I was watching everything going on. Even the dash cluster. There was a point between Las Vegas and California that we were getring low on gas.
At this point I did not want to tell Ron what to do so I try and hinted for him to pull over. By saying Ron I need to go to the bathroom. So he pulled over and made me go in the RV we where pulling. We’ll tbat did not work then 15 to 2o min latter I said Ron can we stop u want to get a snack. So he pulled over told me to save my money and get a snack deom the RV.
At this point t I didn’t have anything else to ask to do and I was not going to tell Ron we we almost out of gas. I did not want ti be a back seat driver. I also noticed him lifting his hand to look.at the dash and thought he knows.
Well we ran out of gas. I bleave his brother brought us gas. I told him I saw that when we were low. He said ypu should have told him. We laughed at this story every time we got together.
I also love the example Ron was on how a man should treat a woman. The pure love he showed us to mom.
Love you.
Charlene Farnworth says
December 29, 2024 at 1:53 amWe will miss Ron. His open conversations were so welcoming and fun. Our family enjoyed knowing him as a neighbor, friend and fellow Ward member. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Our hearts reach out in love to you, Sandra, and your children at this tender time. We continue in prayer for your peace and comfort.
With love,
Van, Charlene and Marc Farnworth
Calee Toly says
December 30, 2024 at 4:04 amI am Calee Wilde Toly. I first met your dad when I was in Grade 9. I lived in’ a small village near Magrath. I was very nervous about going to High School in Magrath the next year. I didn’t know anyone there. I went to a dance in Magrath and Ron asked me to dance a couple of times so I at least knew one person in the fall. We were in the same class all through High School and became good friends. I dated him a bit and when he went on his mission to Australia we kept in touch. When he came home he took me to a dance and later he introduced me to someone named Wayne Toly who I ended up marrying. I owe your dad a lot. My husband passed away 8 years ago and I miss him everyday. Ron was always kind to me and everyone he came in contact with. He was here in Magrath for our High School reunion in 2023 and we had great visit.
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