Ralph Dean Tucker

Ralph Dean Tucker received his Christmas wish on Dec. 19, 2023 when he was called to reunite with his loving wife Elaine for all time and eternity.  Ralph died at the Birch Creek Assisted Living Center in Smithfield Utah at the age of 95.

Ralph was born at home on Aug. 22, 1928, in Soda Springs Idaho, the fifth and last child of Charles and Della (Sanderson) Tucker. Soda Springs was his home until 5^th grade when the family moved to Pocatello ID where Ralph learned invaluable life lessons working in his father’s sheep business during summer months, herding sheep and cooking for the hired hands.

Ralph attended Pocatello High School from 1942 to 1946, a proud member of the varsity basketball team all four years of high school.  He continued education at Idaho State University graduating with a BA in business.  At college he spotted a beautiful girl riding atop the swan float in the homecoming parade. He persuaded a friend to arrange a blind date.  The rest is history, Ralph married the love of his life, Elaine Hale, on December 23, 1950.  The two spent 71 years together raising 2 sons Ralph Lynn and Tracy Dean, and daughter Terri Della, giving rise to six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Ralph enlisted in the US Navy August of 1950 during the Korean war. In 1951 he became a mustang, an enlisted man who becomes a commissioned officer. He awoke one day a seaman apprentice and went to sleep that night a commissioned officer.

After his years in the service, Ralph began work as a salesman for Bannock steel, which later became Gate City Steel. This began a 30-year career. He retired in 1987 as senior vice President.  Retirement didn’t last long.  He returned to work for 3 additional years with Geneva Steel before retiring with Elaine to St. George, Utah, where they enjoyed over thirty years together. They were active community members with many dear friends.  Together they served five years as ordinance workers in the St. George LDS temple, and Ralph enjoyed 15 years volunteering at the hospital in St. George.

Ralph was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a loyal friend.  He touched many lives with his kindness, wisdom, and humor.  He said in the end it didn’t matter where he went to school, what board he sat on, or what club he was president of. What mattered was what he did to make the world a better place. He always said: “Keep your sense of humor and find something to be grateful for”.  He leaves a legacy of a life well lived. His family and friends thank him for this. He will be dearly missed.

The family would like to give special thanks and gratitude to the staff at Birch Creek Assisted Living Center for providing loving care to both our parents.  We are forever grateful.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice.