Rulon Gerald Craven

Rulon Gerald Craven passed away on February 6, 2017 at the age of 92 due to the effects of a long term battle with Leukemia.

Rulon was born in Murray, Utah, November 11, 1924 to Gerald Craven and Susanna Ester Schultz Craven and was raised in Logan, Utah and Boise, Idaho.

Rulon served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during WWII facing the dangers of war in the Pacific Theater.

On completing his military service, he served an LDS mission in New Zealand.  He grew to love the people of New Zealand and returned there to serve in other church callings throughout his life.

While attending BYU he met his wife to be, Donna Lee Lunt, daughter of Heaton Lunt and Chloe Haws. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on March 23,1953.  They raised their family in Orem, Utah where Rulon worked in administrative services for BYU.

During this time, he was the Bishop of a student ward and served in the Stake Presidency.

            Rulon was called to be the president of the New Zealand North Mission in 1967.  He, with Donna and their 5 young children, lived in Auckland, New Zealand where he renewed previous mission acquaintances and furthered the work of the Lord in the Pacific.  

Rulon left his job at BYU after 20 years to work with the Presiding Bishopric.  In 1977 he became the Secretary to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles where he served for 13 1/2 years.  He enjoyed a close relationship with the Brethren and frequently shared his strong testimony of the living prophets. 

During this time of church employment, his church calling was as a Regional Representative.  He traveled extensively meeting with church leaders and members in the areas where he was assigned.

He was called as a General Authority Seventy in 1990 where for six years, he and Donna traveled the globe preaching the gospel and building up the Kingdom of God in the Central USA Area, Pacific Area, North America South East Area, and the Asia Area.

Rulon and Donna served in the Bountiful Utah Temple Presidency and later as the President and Matron of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple.

Rulon and Donna were frequently away from home while serving in the church.  They always made sure their family came first and showed constant love and appreciation for their children and grandchildren. 

Rulon loved spending time with his family and good friends that they met from around the world.  Rulon always had a book in hand even while at a lake or stream where he loved to fish.

Rulon is the author of six books on missionary work, leadership, gospel topics, and human relations.  He also served on the Executive Committee for the Upward Reach Foundation, a charity working to help youth.

Rulon is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Frank (Lyle) Craven, and his daughter Terie Lee who died in infancy.  He is survived by his wife Donna, children Jerry (Kathy), Ronald (Becky), Brent (Joela), Dallen (Melissa), RaDawn (Dave), 22 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren, and sisters Geraldine (Glenn) Boyer, Marian (Dave) Dawson.

Funeral Services be held Friday, February 10th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., in the Centerville Stake Center, 950 North Main.  A viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful and Friday from 9:00-10:15 a.m. prior to the services at the church.