Ronald Stanley Tanner

Ronald Stanley Tanner, known as “Ron” or “Ronnie,” passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, in Orem, Utah, surrounded by family. He was 87 years old. Born on January 20, 1938, in Farmington, New Mexico, Ron lived a life of faith, grit, service, and love.

Ron was sealed for time and all eternity to his sweetheart, Mary Jane Duke Tanner, in the Salt Lake Temple on September 8, 1960. Together they shared 64 years of marriage and raised seven children: Duke (Luigi), Tiffini (Todd), Travis, Jared (Lori), Javen (Alisha), Sumerlyn (Sean) and Ben (Jessica). His surviving siblings are, Karma Lyn Stockstill, Michael Dean Schauer, Kimberly Bulbulian, and Todd S. Tanner. Ron’s legacy lives on through his 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley A. Tanner and Alcie Jeannette Dugan; his stepparents John and Lyn Russon, and Alfred Dugan; and his brothers Michael S. Tanner and Rod Tanner.

Ron grew up in the Four Corners area among the Navajo and Hopi. He came from a family that ran multiple trading posts. As a child, he was named Shash agaan yázhí bił ("Bear with a Little Arm") by a Navajo family friend named Becenti, who lived in a hogan near the Pueblo Alto Trading Post his grandfather operated.

Ron was a true entrepreneur at heart. Over the years, he built and operated a variety of businesses, including KFC franchises, the Border Town Restaurant, Tech-Tron Constructing, Omni Star Water Systems, and Candyland Retrievers, among others. He also loved inventing new products and finding ways to innovate.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ron served faithfully throughout his life. He served a full-time mission in the West Central States Mission and later held various leadership callings, including Bishop, member of the High Council, and Ordinance Worker in the Payson Temple. Above all, he was known as an extraordinary Home Teacher and Ministering Brother—someone who truly cared and consistently showed up for others.

Ron loved sports and the outdoors. In high school, he lettered in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball, holding the high jump record for many years. He earned a college scholarship to play football at a school in Colorado but chose instead to attend BYU. He found joy and peace in the mountains—hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping.

Ron had an unyielding spirit and faith. He faced life with perseverance and courage. He had a gritty, never-give-up attitude that inspired everyone around him. His was a life deeply rooted in his firm testimony of the Savior.

A visitation and walk-through to offer condolences and share memories with Jane and the family will be held on Friday, May 16, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. in the Relief Society Room of the Heatherridge 6th Ward, located at 450 East 2000 North, Orem, Utah 84097. A celebration of life service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Ron will be laid to rest at the Orem City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.