Ronald Roy Grimes was born on July 6th, 1941 in Bellflower, California to Leslie Roy and Thora Bigelow Grimes. He passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024 at the age of 82 in his home surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Ron was the second of three children. He grew up in Southern California where he loved the beach and playing football. He was a star player at Sweetwater High School.

As a deeply religious person, Ron served a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Gulf States Mission. He later went on to serve seven stake missions. He was always willing to serve wherever needed, and held many callings.

He attended several colleges, finally ending up at BYU where he met the love of his life, Deon Wood. On a summer break, it was arranged for Ron to drive Deon home to San Diego, where both of their families lived. He showed up in his cherished 1957 Ford Thunderbird. He often joked in later years that he had to marry Deon because he couldn't get her out of his car.

Ron and Deon married on June 23, 1967 in the Salt Lake City Temple. They made Provo their home and went on to have 15 children: 5 sons and 10 daughters. Ron dedicated his life to raising his children. In spite of having so many children, he created opportunities to spend individual and family time with countless camping trips, father and son outings, and daddy-daughter activities. He set the perfect example of how to be a man, a father, and a husband.

Ron was devoted to Deon. He spoiled her with his love in every way. He cherished Deon so much, that he would do anything for her. He never missed an opportunity to tell her every day that he loved her.

Ron held many occupations over the years. He was a machinist, a teacher, a security guard and the patient service manager at a hospital. He was an extremely talented woodworker, wherein he built picture frames, staircases, cradles, tables, plaques and award-winning pinewood derby cars.

Throughout each of his occupations he involved his children, teaching them invaluable life skills.

His favorite occupation was that of being an inventor. Some of Ron's favorite inventions include the tongue-in-groove fiberglass ladder, a ladder hinge, many tools, and a flushing mechanism for airplane toilets that is still in use today. He also invented many life-saving medical devices. He had a brilliant mind, but more importantly, a kind and compassionate heart. He was never happier than when he was holding a baby in his arms or a child on his lap.

Ron's compassion went beyond his family and was extended to every person he met. His goal in life was to live a Christ-like life, and he exemplified it.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Naomi, his granddaughters Tatiana and Katrina, and sons-in-law Richard and Roger. He is survived by his wife, Deon, his sister Joanne Hook and his brother, Leslie Ray Grimes (Rachel), as well as his remaining 14 children: Ronald Roy Grimes Jr. (Suzanne), Heather Capps, Corrie Goodrich (Everett), Rebecca Cox (John), Jennifer Grimes (Jake), Emily Beck (Troy), Kimberly Campbell (Kevin), Rachel Grimes, Marc Grimes (Caroline), Jonathan Grimes (Jenn), Brittany Nicole Mortensen, Bradley Grimes (Stephanie), Michal Grimes (Lindsay), and Lara Grimes.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 6 – 8:00 pm at the Bonneville 1st Ward, 85 South 900 East in Provo, Utah, with another visitation on Thursday, May 23, from 9:30-10:30 am prior to Funeral Services beginning at 11:00 am at the same location.

Webcast provided by the Bonneville 1st Ward, https://zoom.us/j/91345836093?pwd=MkI2ZUFQT2o0TTdQMmVXTnZtYURBZz09

Family memorial page: https://www.facebook.com/rongrimesmemorial