Ronald Gardiner Heywood

In Loving Memory of Ronald Gardiner Heywood November 25, 1933 - May 4, 2025 OBITUARY Ronald Gardiner Heywood, age 91, passed away on May 4, 2025, in Hurricane, Utah. Ronald was born on November 25, 1933, in Hurricane, Utah, to Gardiner Leland Heywood and Wealthy Stout Heywood. He was the oldest of ten children. Ronald’s family moved from Hurricane to Salt Lake City when he was 16. Although he graduated from South High School, he always considered Hurricane his home and faithfully attended Hurricane High school reunions as if he had never left. As a young man, Ronald received both his mission call and draft notice at the same time. His bishop advocated before the draft board, saying Ronald would be a better soldier after serving a mission. The draft board replied that he would be a better missionary after military service. The Church won, and Ronald served two and a half years in the Central America Mission. He learned Spanish on his mission, a skill he never forgot and continued to use throughout his life. Shortly after returning, he fulfilled his draft duties in the U.S. Army, serving honorably for six years. Upon returning home, his sister set him up on a blind date with who would become his future wife. Three short months later, on December 5th, 1958, he was sealed to the love of his life, Claudia Lewis, in the Salt Lake Temple. From this union nine children were born. He always said he had five beautiful daughters who have four brothers. Ronald raised his family in Granger (now West Valley City), Draper, and finally returned to his beloved Hurricane in 1981 where he spent the remainder of his life. His career was primarily in construction, where he helped build many chapels for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He later worked in custodial services for the Church and finished his career driving a special needs bus for Washington County School District. His greatest joy came from serving in the Church. He served in multiple bishoprics, on the high council, and numerous other callings. He also loved camping with his family and enjoyed gardening. He loved singing silly songs with and for his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Claudia; his parents, Gardiner and Wealthy Heywood; his sisters: JoAnn Hagen, Dorothy Harman, and brothers Robert Heywood and Lamar Heywood. He is survived by his children: Ronda Heywood, St. George, Lewis (Gayla) Heywood, Taylorsville, John (Leti) Heywood, Round Rock, Texas. Mary Ann (John) Bishop, St. George, Edwin (Tammy) Heywood, North Ogden, Judy Newlands, Shirley Creel, La Verkin, Larry (Cindy) Heywood, La Verkin, Patricia (Kevin) Gummow, Hurricane. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings: Maurine (Lamar, dec.) Beatty, Roger (Candy) Heywood, Steve (Carol) Heywood, Vinetta (Orlo) Eyre, Colleen Heywood and sister-in-law, Yasmin Heywood. A viewing and graveside service to honor Ronald's life will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025. The viewing will be held from 10:30-11:30 am at 155 E 1050 N Hurricane, Utah. Graveside Service at 12:00 p.m. at the Hurricane City Cemetery. The family would like to thank The Haven at Sky Mountain, especially the caregivers in the Memory Care unit for their loving care. We also want to thank Integrated Hospice for their devoted care in his final weeks.