Ronald Q Elder

Ronald Q Elder passed away February 24, 2014 at Logan Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born September 25, 1930 in Orem, Utah, the fourth of six children to Oliver Q and Sadie Beebe Elder. His childhood was spent in Orem where he graduated from high school. He desired to serve a LDS mission but could not because of the wartime quotas. He met Ilene Anderson while singing in a choir at the Provo Tabernacle where he followed her home to Benjamin, Utah. They were married on June 12, 1950 in the Manti Temple and lived in Orem until moving to Cache Valley which became their permanent home, even though they had a 10 year stop-over in Saratoga California. Ron, like his father, was a master builder with expertise in all the trades. His love of work was second to none and there was no task he could not tackle. He taught his hard work ethic to his sons and they worked together for many years on construction sites in many unique locations including; Alaska, California, Midway Island and Hawaii to name a few. While his family was young they would all work hard on Saturday mornings and be rewarded by playing at the lake and waterskiing. Ron was a story teller like his mother and always had a good story or joke to tell for every situation. He loved to play the guitar. He and Ilene sang and performed at many family and social events. They also taught their children to play instruments, sing and harmonize along with them. Dad always responded to the question of how many children he had with, "I have 7 sons and they each have 3 sisters." His children include: Sherol Elder Wendy, Reed Elder Valerie, Russell Elder Holly, Alan Elder Linda, Julie Wilson Brian, Karen Anderson Everett, Lance Elder Alice, Stacey Baker Glenn, Ricky Elder and Jared Elder Kim. He also leaves behind 35 grandchildren, 76 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild who all adore him. Ron leaves a legacy of making others always feel welcomed and loved in his home. After a couple of lonely years following the passing of Ilene from colon cancer in 1999, Ron found joy again when he married his sister-in-law Beverley Anderson Elder Aunt Bev to his children on May 19, 2001 in the Bountiful temple. Beverley added her 5 children and their spouses to his circle of love along with 20 more grandchildren. Together Ron and Bev served a LDS mission to the New Mexico, Albuquerque Mission where they loved and served the Navajo people. Upon their return home they served together in the Logan LDS Temple until their health prevented it.
Ron is survived by his wife Beverley, his children and grandchildren, his sisters; Juana Spohn, Valeen Brady, Lorraine Mackelprange and his only brother Doral Elder. A viewing will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 in the Nelson Funeral Home at 162 East 400 North in Logan, Utah from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. An additional viewing will be held from 9:00 am to 10:30 am prior to Ron's funeral which will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2014 in the LDS chapel located at 345 East 300 South, Smithfield, Utah at 11:00 am. The family has requested in-lue of flowers that a donation be made to the LDS missionary fund.