Ronald Clark Daniels

Ronald Clark Daniels, age 89, of St George, Utah, passed away on December 16, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Ronald “Ron” was born on December 24, 1933, to Thomas L. and Laura C. Daniels inside a little house in Magna, Utah. He graduated from Cyprus High School in 1952, where he participated in football, baseball and basketball. He briefly attended the University of Utah and LDS Business College.  

He worked for Kennecott Copper Corp. before joining the U.S. Army in 1953. He served in Korea shortly before the cease fire. He was then part of the 43^rd Infantry Division, 102^nd Regiment in Germany. He was honorably discharged in June 1955.  

He married Jairus Brems in February 1956 and had one son, Steve Daniels. They later divorced. He married Ilene Reilley in May 1961, and in March 1977 they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Ron and Ilene went on to have five children. They were with each other through life’s ups and downs until she passed away in 2007.  

Ron worked for Winder Dairy delivering milk to homes for many years and later worked in the mining industry selling diamond drill bits until his retirement. He was a true outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, hike and camp. He was unmatched when hunting or hiking and was referred to as a “mountain goat” by his hunting buddies and family. No one could keep up with him.

His passion for camping led him and Ilene to purchase property in the high Uintah mountains where they built a cabin in the late 1970s. The family spent many years making happy memories there. He was also an avid equestrian. In the early years of his marriage to Ilene, they purchased property a short distance from his childhood home where they had a small farm, alongside his brother and other family. He had horses, rabbits, and other small farm animals. He sold that property when they decided to purchase the cabin property, but he remained active in the horse and chariot racing sport alongside his brother Craig for several years. 

Ron was a devoted father. His family was his pride and joy. He had an exceptional work ethic that he taught to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always supported his family through their accomplishments and difficulties throughout their lives.  After he retired, he helped babysit, shuttle the grandkids around, and always made an effort to attend their events and activities. He later found that he loved southern Utah and moved there in 2010. The warmer climate suited him. He liked being outside and helping his neighbors do various things, much of which involved physical labor of some sort. He was a character to say the least, even during the last few years as his confusion had taken over, he was known for his wit and comical personality. He was a talker and loved to tell stories. Many things about his character will be remembered. He was strong, brave, loved to laugh, and gave hugs right up to the end. He always had a twinkle in his eye that made you feel happy. He was tough as nails, but he had a huge heart.   

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; his wife, Ilene; and daughter, Jolene. He is survived by his children, Steve (Mickie) Daniels, Joni (Richard) Call, Terry (Telina) Daniels, Tammy (Scott) Rapshus, Kimberly (Don) Potter; 16 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren; and brother, Craig (Sharon) Daniels. 

 A viewing for Ron will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at Peel Funeral Home (8525 West 2700 South, Magna, Utah, and continuing Friday December 29, 2023, from 10:00-10:45 a.m. followed by funeral services, also at Peel Funeral Home, beginning at 11:00 a.m. 

Interment will be at Valley View Memorial Park (4391 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, Utah) immediately after the funeral services. 

A luncheon will be provided for close friends and family after the graveside service at the LDS church located at 3372 S. Merry Lane, West Valley City.