Ralph Robert Richey Jr.

Ralph Robert Richey Jr., age 74, passed peacefully on April 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 30, 1951, to Ralph Robert Richey Sr. and Rosalie Rae Hughes, Ralph lived a life full of laughter, hard work, and deep love for his family.

Ralph was first married to Gloria (Johnson) Schneider on June 28, 1971, and together they had his oldest daughter, Rhondelle. He later met the love of his life, Leann Pixton. They were married on July 21, 1976, and were soon after sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. They spent the next 50 years building a life and family together.

A proud Iron Worker and welder, Ralph often said he “built America.” He took immense joy in pointing out buildings he helped construct and even welded his family’s names into many of them. Whether on job sites across the Midwest, Nevada, and Wyoming, Ralph brought his signature humor, work ethic, and larger-than-life presence everywhere he went. He also served in the Army National Guard, reflecting his deep love for his country and the Constitution he cherished. He loved being the life of the party—funny, loud, irreverent, quick with a story (sometimes embellished for maximum effect), and never afraid to stir the pot just to watch what happened.

Above all, Ralph’s greatest pride was his children and grandchildren. He was fiercely proud of each of them and made sure they knew it. He taught them the value of hard work, loyalty, self-esteem, how to make friends, and how to carry a good name. He loved seeing them shine and was happiest when they were in the spotlight.

Ralph and Leann served for several years as missionaries in the LDS 12-step addiction recovery program, where he was deeply loved for his compassion and guidance. He was a man of strong faith, a lover of the Constitution, and someone who cherished his family’s heritage.

He is survived by his wife, Leann; his children: Rhondelle (Mike) Kasper, Ralph Robert Richey, III (Holly Esplin), Randilee (Jade) Conrad, and Ronald Ray Richey (Brittany Christiansen); 17 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated nurses, CNAs, and staff at Brighten Life Hospice - especially Brandon - and to the caring team at the Southern Utah Veterans Home for their compassion and support during his final year.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Bonzo Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Saturday, prior to services, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Mortuary.

Live streaming webcast is available by clicking on the broadcast below. Webcast will remain on-line for 90 days.