Ronald Lance Greenwell

The morning of February 9, 2021, Ronald Lance Greenwell peacefully returned home to his Father in Heaven after having the opportunity to communicate and kindle many goodbyes with his family, friends and caregivers a few days earlier.  He fought a courageous fight during the      last nine years dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease and the struggles it brings.

Ronald, AKA Ronnie or Cowboy to his cousins, family, and close friends was born January 28, 1935 in Ogden Utah to Fred Orah and Florence Ellen Felton Greenwell. He was raised in Willard and Marriott, Utah and attended school in Box Elder and Weber County, graduating from Weber High School.

After high school, Ron joined the Reserves and served as a cook.  This is where Ron gained his cooking skills and learned to always have a good set of carving knives and a wet stone around.  As a dad, he enjoyed making breakfast for his wife and kids before they headed off to school. His children always looked forward to scrambled eggs and toast with a side of Spam, or real fluffy pancakes or waffles.

After serving a short time in the Reserves, he left to serve an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission.  After his mission he met a cute energetic teenage girl named Kit Thompson.  While working for her father, at the lumber store, he was able to win her heart.  After courting for a year, and upon Kit’s high school graduation, they were married in the Salt Lake City temple on June 4, 1959. They quickly began their family of 6 children, and due to some fun and unique circumstances, they adopted a daughter from Germany, as she finished high school while living in the Greenwell home.

Ron was a good provider and cared for his family. He worked as a welder at Marquardt before finding his talent selling Life Insurance throughout the Western States. Ron had great people skills and took a genuine interest in his clients’ lives.  He would often bargain with these good clients and more often than not would return home bringing puppies or kittens for the kids, some good horse blankets, bits and bridles, all acquired through client conversations and relations he had built.

As a boy, he grew to love and had compassion for his animals. He worked and cared for sheep, cows, and horses doing chores growing up, and continued the same interest, and routines within his own family, as a father.  Ron was taught and developed many horsemanship skills throughout his life that became useful as he pursued his interest in owning and having horses around for his enjoyment. He taught his children about horses and had many rides and events with his kids and grandkids. Ron was an active member of Backcountry Horsemen of Utah, specifically the Wasatch Front Chapter.  He served as their State President for 1 year, and Utah National Delegate for a term.  He participated with his wife and children in many trail rides.  Some being week-long, camping day in and day out. He loved to hunt with his cousins in the mountains of the Wasatch Front.  He made good use of his amazing cooking skills and knives when he was on trail rides, hunting or camping.

Although horses were his favorite pastime; he loved a good game of golf with his father-in-law, brother-in-laws, family and friends. He also enjoyed a good game of cards whether it be around the kitchen table, the campfire, or Las Vegas, he had a smile.  Ron was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and willingly served in many positions. He loved Home Teaching and served as an usher at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.  He enjoyed his time as a temple worker at the Bountiful, Utah temple for many years.

Ronald is survived by his 6 children: Kathy (Neil) Cox, Lauri (Mark) Pickett, Dale (Karen) Greenwell, Jeff (Sunny) Greenwell, Ross Greenwell, Nanci (Jeff) Oldroyd. 15 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Dan (Joyce) Greenwell.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Florence Greenwell, and his sweet wife Kit.

A viewing will be held at 9:45 AM preceding funeral services on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Russon Mortuary and Crematory, 1941 N Main Street Farmington, Utah 84025. Interment to Warren- West Warren Cemetery. Due to Covid restrictions, please follow CDC guidelines of wearing a mask and social distancing.  Live-stream services available at the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page.  Please click on the following link to go to our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/russonmortuary

As a family, we would like to thank all the many caregivers of Whisper Cove Assisted Living, Symbii Hospice, and many family and friends that have been a great support to us.  In lieu of flowers please donate to the Wasatch Front Backcountry Horsemen of Utah or a charity of your choice.