Rulon Reed Rands Obituary (1932 - 2023)

Rulon Reed Rands, beloved husband, father, grandfather and dear friend to all who knew him has left this world to continue on in his eternal journey on the other side of the veil. He died peacefully in his home in Midvale, Utah on August 26, 2023 at the age of 91, surrounded by his devoted wife of 65 years and family. He was born on August 12, 1932 of the late Joseph Leslie Rands and Clarissa Jane Carbine. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, and ten siblings. John (Jack), Blanche, Leroy, Ruth, Ray, Joseph (Vern), Clara, Vera, Sarah, and Dale Rands. His memory will be kept alive by his adoring eternal wife and caretaker, Barbara Adele Lowry Rands; children, Douglas Rands (Jacie), Donald Rands (Mara), Sharon Ellis (David), Laurie Bradley (Richard), Kenley Rands (Tammy), and Kristi Rands. He also leaves behind twenty grandchildren, forty-three great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Although he was given the name Rulon at birth, he went by his middle name Reed. Reed lived his life in service; service to his country, family, God, church, and to anyone who needed his help. Reed was enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. He spent most of that time on a naval ship. After his time in service, he set out to serve in another capacity, through his church. Reed put in his papers to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was called to serve in the Western Canada Mission, where he met his beautiful wife, Barbara. After getting off his mission, he went back to see about a girl. When asked about his missionary experience he would tell you that he did change one heart, Barbara's. Reed and Barbara were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on November 22, 1957 for time and all eternity. After they raised their family together, Barbara and Reed decided to serve a mission. They were called to serve in Cape Town, South Africa. This time was very precious to them as they grew to love the people of South Africa. Reed accomplished much in his life. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. He was a proud Alumni and loved to support BYU long after he left the school. After graduating from BYU, he went to work for IBM. On top of his school and work accomplishments, Reed continued to serve in his community. He held numerous callings for the LDS Church. From serving the youth to being a member of the Bishopric, High Priest, and serving as a Temple Worker, he did his best to help those around him. He was a follower of Jesus Christ and loved to share the Gospel. Reed knew how important it was to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in his life and wanted to share that with others. Not only did he invite others to learn of Jesus Christ, but he would actively bring them to church in his big brown van. He went out of his way to make sure not only his children had a ride to church, but their friends did too. This is just one of many ways Reed helped in his community. He was known by many as "Big Red". Blood relation or not, he treated everyone he met like family. He loved to be around kids as he was a big kid at heart. He never lost his childhood charm of finding pleasure in the simple things of life; whether that was a sausage egg McMuffin from McDonald's or sharing jokes to make others laugh, he made it his mission to bring a smile to your face. He will be remembered for his teasing jokes, loving nature, kind heart, his powerful testimony, and generous smile. It is not possible to capture all of the good deeds, love, respect, and feelings we have for this man. Instead of writing all of this down on paper, may we write these stories in our hearts, share his good works and keep his memory alive. Until we meet again, peace I leave with you, peace be still. In honor of Reed, his life will be celebrated from Union Park 4th Ward - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 700 East 7500 South, Midvale, Utah 84047 on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 9:00 am (viewing). Funeral service will immediately follow at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Plain City Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. where military honors will be accorded.