Ronald Lee Garrett

A beautiful life well lived, Ronald Lee Garrett passed peacefully from this life on April 10, 2026, in Hurricane, Utah. Ron was born on August 27, 1949, in Broken Bow, Nebraska, to Ivan Lee Garrett and Barbara Jean Scott. When Ron was five years old, the family moved to California, where his lifelong love of baseball began. That passion followed him throughout his life and ultimately took him to the 1971 College World Series, where he pitched for the Brigham Young University baseball team. Though he lived in many places over the years, Nebraska always held a special place in Ron’s heart. He treasured summers spent back in Nebraska with family, especially time in Arnold, which he spoke of often and fondly. Ron was a proud and devoted Nebraska Cornhuskers football fan, faithfully following the team and carrying his Nebraska roots with him wherever life took him. Ron married Linda Cowan in 1968. Together they raised two children, Brian and Deni, before their marriage ended in 1982. In 1996, Ron met the love of his life, Riitta Nugent, and they were married on December 26, 1998. Their blended family was full of activity, sports, travel, friendships, and plenty of softball. Through it all, they developed relationships rooted in mutual respect and love. Ron approached life head on—whether in sports, work, or relationships. After college, he began his career as a Senior Counselor for high risk juvenile males, a role he held for six years and one that shaped his deep commitment to helping youth and families. In 1979, Ron became a police officer, serving the communities of Orem, Utah, and Cedar City, Utah, for six years. He then spent the next decade as a real estate broker and property manager with Prowswood Management, helping guide enterprises such as Elk Meadows Ski Resort (now Eagle Point) in Beaver, Utah, and Rancho Lanes Bowling Center in Salt Lake City into profitable operations. Drawn again to youth focused work, Ron returned to education and human services as an Assistant Director of a 24 hour residential school, a position he held for 17 years. For more than 25 years, Ron was a fixture in the Huntsman World Senior Games softball program, serving as a player, field supervisor, director, recruiter, and mentor. In the fall of 2025, he was inducted into the Huntsman World Senior Games Hall of Fame, honoring his many years of dedication and service. As Ron grew older, his greatest joy was his grandchildren. He rarely missed a game or performance, often carrying a plastic garden chair in his truck so he could comfortably cheer from the sidelines wherever he went. Even as life became more difficult, Ron never forgot to tell Riitta and his family how deeply he loved them. Ron is survived by his wife, Riitta Nugent; his children Brian Garrett (Rob Matheny) and Deni Fisher (Bart); his stepchildren Jaana Peltekian (Paul), Mika Nugent (Meagan), Krista Perry (Joey), Jake Nugent (Lindsey), and Markus Nugent (Odalis); 18 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; his sister Patti Nelson (Glen); and his brother Donnie Garrett. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Marla Heckenlively; his brother in law Rawdy Heckenlively; and his grandchildren Zijon Pouha and Luke Nugent. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held later in the coming months.

Ronald Lee Garrett

August 27, 1949 - April 10, 2026