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On Monday, March 4, 2002, after 37 years of waging a courageous battle against M.S., our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Ralph Eugene Rigby, age 69, returned to his heavenly home to accept his call to serve in a new mission field.
He was born May 9, 1932 in Provo, Utah to Wendell and Florence Rigby. He married his eternal sweetheart, Arlene Barnett, in the Salt Lake Temple on November 25, 1953. Following military service in Korea, he completed his education at BYU and remains "true blue." He had a great love for teaching and taught public school (six years), LDS Seminary (26 years) and wrote LDS Seminary curriculum (10 years). He was a Master Scriptorian.
He loved the Savior and His teachings. Ralph focused his life on sharing these truths with everyone he met. He loves his family and we love him. We rejoice in his endurance to the end in righteousness. His lifelong service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints included: teacher, advisor, home teacher, bishop, high councilman, and Stake Patriarch.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Richard and Robert.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Arlene; his children, Susan Michael; Alan (Kathy) Rigby; Colleen (Richard) Hodges; Karen (David) Morris; Caralee (Rick) Marsh; Janene (John) Petersen; Ane Marie (Dallas) Clark; his brother, Dean (Elinor) Rigby; Robert's wife Jennie; 35 grandchildren; and one great-grand child. Also survived by many extended family members and friends.
A special thanks to Nathan, Rob, and Brad for caring with love. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, 11 a.m. at the Taylorsville West Stake Center, 4905 South 3420 West, where friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday 9-10:30 a.m.
Interment, Payson City Cemetery.