Richard Daniel & Sharon Miller Foster

Richard Daniel Foster and Sharon Kay Miller – Obituary

Richard Daniel Foster (Dick/Dad) passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 26, 2022, in Bountiful, Utah. His sweetheart and love of his life, Sharon Kay Miller (Mom), followed closely behind, passing away on Monday, May 30, 2022. She was reunited with him on their 63^rd wedding anniversary, just 4 days after Dad passed.

Dad was born on February 16,1936 in Ogden, Utah, and Mom was born on November 24, 1940, in Heber City, Utah. Christmas of 1958 would forever change their lives. During that magical season they met on a blind date. Dad was smitten by Mom’s beauty and her enthusiasm for life. He knew she was the one and fervently courted her for about 5 months. They were married on May 30, 1959, and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 31,1960, for time and all eternity.

In their early years of marriage, Dad—an electrical engineer by trade—oversaw survey and installation crews that ran large electrical transmission lines across the western United States. Later, he and Mom settled in Bountiful, Utah, where they lived for more than 55 years. It was not long before they happily welcomed five rambunctious sons into their home. Dad and Mom were amazing parents! Their loving and tender approach to parenting let us know we were always loved. Dad’s nature was gentle and soft-spoken, and Mom was nurturing and loving—she was the heart of our home. Their greatest sermons as parents, friends, and neighbors were quietly taught as they lovingly served the people around them by showering them with generosity and kindness.

Mom and Dad were faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had strong testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They both served in a variety of callings—but with five boys, scouting always seemed to be part of the equation! All five boys earned their rank of Eagle Scout. It was a heroic effort. It wasn’t until later in life that the boys really understood the hundreds of hours and coordination it took to achieve this feat. Thanks, Mom!

Dad was known as the guy that could fix or build anything. If you needed a tool—even a small, obscure one—Dad either had it or he could make it. He was a gifted problem solver and was always willing to share his gifts and talents to help those in need.  Whether at home or on the side of the road, Dad was always the first to step up, open his toolbox, and save the day. He especially loved providing anonymous service to those around him. He was a patient father and friend. Thankfully, he taught his boys many of these valuable skills. Dad loved being outdoors, tinkering with projects, working in his yard, or enjoying a late afternoon waterski in our beautiful mountains.  He devoted much of his time to family history and spent countless hours poring over records, pictures, and charts.

Dad worked for Utah Power & Light for more than three decades. His travel provided a way for him to create some of our fondest memories. Even after “retiring,” he didn’t quite stop working. Instead, he continued with contract work until he officially retired in 2001.

Mom was a full-time wife and mother of five boys. She loved being a mother! She was our teacher, nurturer, caregiver, driver, cook, and—most importantly—our soft place to land. Mom enjoyed reading, knitting, making baby blankets for those in need, playing the piano, traveling, and—our favorite—BAKING!  Mom’s kitchen was always open. She never let someone pass the threshold of our home without ensuring they had their fill of a hearty meal and some yummy treats.

When possible, Mom would substitute teach at our local at elementary school. She was also very devoted to her church callings. One of Mom’s favorite assignments was working in the special-needs primary. She spent many years in that role and frequently commented that it was one of her greatest joys. And somehow, she found time to take odd jobs during the holidays in order to make our Christmases a little merrier. As Dad and Mom’s small business ventures grew, Mom also served as the accountant and managed their books.

The next phase of their life was spent serving several missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They served at Church headquarters and Welfare Square in Salt Lake City, Utah; in Washington D.C.; in Slidell, Louisiana; and for 13 years in Guest Services at the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City.

Mom and Dad are survived by their children—Dan (Kelly) of Bountiful, Utah; Rick (Deb) of Sandy, Utah; Bob (Rhonda) of Corinth, Texas; daughter-in-law Teri of Riverton, Utah—as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren (with one on the way). Mom is also survived by her sister Deann (Ken) Williams of Draper, Utah, and her sister-in-law Paula Miller of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dad is preceded in death by his parents—William Carrigan Foster and Pearl Leona Anderson—and by his sister, Janet (Brian) Hughes.  Mom is preceded in death by her parents—Clyde Verlin Miller and Delores Moulton—and by her brother, Clyde John Miller. Mom and Dad recently lost their oldest and youngest sons, Bill Foster and Scott Foster (2021).

Funeral services for Mom and Dad will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022, at the Bountiful Central Stake Center (640 S. 750 E., Bountiful, Utah). Immediately following the funeral, graveside services will be held at Heber City Cemetery (680 N. 550 E., Heber City, Utah). In lieu of flowers, please gather your family and friends and celebrate life while enjoying Mom and Dad’s favorite meal—a cheeseburger, fries, and a vanilla malt shake!

Their love story doesn’t have an ending—rather, a beautiful new beginning!

Please share memories and photos of Mom and Dad by logging into www.russonmortuary.com.