Ralph William Cullimore

Ralph William Cullimore passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 87. Born on November 25, 1937, in his parents’ home in Garland, Utah, he was the youngest son of William James Cullimore and Pearl Shoell Cullimore. Ralph met the love of his life, Carrie Joy Newman, while attending Bear River High School, where he was an accomplished athlete, participating in basketball, baseball, and football. He also served as president of the boys’ organization, the Bruins. Ralph and Joy were married on July 1, 1957, in the Logan Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and shared nearly 66 wonderful years together. Following high school, Ralph attended Utah State University on a basketball scholarship. His team reached the semi-finals of the prestigious NIT tournament at Madison Square Garden his senior year. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Mathematics. Ralph and Joy began their life together in Concord, California, where Ralph taught in the Mount Diablo Unified School District. Dedicated to education, he pursued graduate studies and spent many years coaching high school sports and teaching evening mathematics classes at Los Medanos Junior College. He was a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor to countless students. Some of his hobbies include golf, golf, and more golf! Ralph had a lifelong love of sports — playing them, watching them, and especially cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a sucker for most games and enjoyed backgammon, liars dice, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and all kinds of card games. This is one of the ways he connected with his family. Together with Joy, Ralph faithfully served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their first was in Oakland, California, supporting a Cambodian branch while living at home. Their second took them to New Zealand for 18 months — an experience they treasured and often spoke of with great fondness. Ralph was devoted to his faith and served in many capacities throughout his life. One of his favorite roles was that of financial clerk, where he cherished the friendships formed while serving. Ralph is survived by his four children: Douglas (Julie) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Cari (Jeff) of St. George, Utah; Coni of Harstine Island, Washington; and Lisa (Steve) of Mapleton, Utah. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joy, twin infant daughters, parents and siblings: Grant Cullimore, Phyllis Didericksen, Elaine Ely, Jay Cullimore, and Boyd Cullimore. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Retreat at Sun River and Zion’s Way Hospice for their compassionate care in Ralph’s final days. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 20th, at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mulberry Chapel, 3381 Mulberry Drive, St. George (Bloomington), Utah, with a viewing from 9:00 to 10:40 AM prior to the service. Ralph’s legacy of faith, family, service, and sportsmanship lives on in the lives he touched and the family he loved so dearly.