Ronald Bruce Kjar

Ronald Bruce Kjar passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 25, 2025, after a joyful day surrounded by his wife, Judy, and their family in a loving celebration of his remarkable life.

Bruce was born on a warm summer morning, August 19, 1935, in St. George, Utah, to Ronald Melroy Kjar and Eleanor Dianna Peterson Kjar. His mother described that day as the greatest joy: “Our baby, Ronald Bruce, was born, the first grandchild on both sides… Our joy is now complete.”

Bruce grew up in Manti, Utah, in the heart of Sanpete County, where he enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by family. As the eldest of five siblings—Richard (Marcia), David (Marianne), Janet (R. Dee Hughes), and Michael (Janet)—Bruce took on great responsibility after the untimely passing of his father. At just 11 years old, he became the man of the house, shaping his strength and resilience. He once reflected on his father’s death: “A man stopped me and said, ‘You’re a Kjar, aren’t you? Who is your dad?’ I said, ‘I don’t have a dad. He’s dead.’ He reprimanded me, saying I did have a dad and that he would be mine forever. It made quite an impression on me and helped me realize life is a continuum.” This perspective guided Bruce throughout his life, and he embraced the idea that eternity unites us all.

At age 20, Bruce was thrilled to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denmark, walking the streets where his ancestors once lived. It was a meaningful connection to his heritage, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, C.N. Lund, and grandfather, Mouritz Peterson, who had also served there.

Bruce’s service extended to his country through the Utah National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve, where he honed skills that would serve him throughout his life, including baking, leadership, and discipline. After completing officer training, he continued to serve his community, eventually running for and serving three terms on the Woods Cross City Council.

While working at ZCMI in Salt Lake City, Bruce met Judith Ann Gabbitas, a beautiful “fashion girl” who operated the department store’s elevator. They quickly fell in love, dating through the seasons, with Bruce driving Judy to BYU every Sunday and picking her up on Fridays. They were married on June 23, 1960, in the Salt Lake Temple and began their life together in a modest basement apartment before moving to Woods Cross, where they raised their eight children: Terrie Lynn (Kevin Mitchell), Kevin Bruce, Lisa, Wendy (Clark Harms), Amy (Doug Stone), Robert Brad (Shellee Porter), Louis Matthew (Lindsay Harris), and Brandon. Cousin Christine Adele Franks (Dylan Young) also spent her teen years living with and loving Bruce and Judy.

Their home, filled with love and laughter, became a haven not just for their family but for many others who needed a safe place to land.

Bruce built a successful career with Black & Decker, traveling extensively to serve clients across Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and Montana. Family summers were spent in campers and motorhomes, exploring the great outdoors, theme parks, and visiting loved ones.

A talented cook, Bruce served as the chef for Woods Cross Stake Girls’ Camp for 19 years, perfecting his Dutch oven recipes that would later turn into a bustling catering business. He and Judy cooked for weddings, church events, and large crowds at This Is the Place State Park, sometimes serving meals for as many as 700 people in a single evening.

Bruce’s faith and devotion were central to his life. In 1970, he was called to be bishop of the South Bountiful 4th Ward, where he often felt the Lord’s guidance. In 2005, Bruce and Judy fulfilled their dream of serving a senior couple mission, returning to Denmark to share their faith and reconnect with their heritage.

In his later years, Bruce explored new hobbies, including weaving beanies for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These thoughtful creations became symbols of his love and care. Even as his health declined, he continued to crochet hats, finding joy in serving others.

Bruce’s legacy extends through his beloved wife, Judy, their eight children, 32 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren, along with countless others whose lives he touched. He is reunited with his parents, siblings, and many cherished loved ones who welcomed him home.

The ripple effects of Bruce’s life are felt in every meal shared, every beanie worn, and every moment of kindness passed on. His faith, love, and example will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Woods Cross 8th Ward (Hidden Chapel), 1450 South 350 West, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, and Saturday morning from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment- Memorial Lakeview Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.