Ronald Lloyd Herrick

Ronald Lloyd Herrick, age 85 of Queen Creek, Arizona, passed away on July 9, 2024, at his home after a long struggle with Parkinson’s surrounded by his family.

He was born on June 27, 1939, to Lloyd and Gwen Herrick and was raised in Ogden, Utah. He spoke with reverence and love about both of his parents and told many great stories of his youth. Those were years filled with a love of baseball, friends, dating, and cars. He attended and graduated from Ogden High School and then moved to Logan where he attended Utah State University. He met the amazing Marlene Lewis Taylor and soon fell in love. After a short engagement, they were sealed in the Logan Temple on February 15, 1963.

After they both graduated from USU with Bachelor Degrees, they moved to California where Dad attended Physical Therapy school at the University of Southern California. After graduation, he worked at several places in California but was soon offered a job back “home” in Utah. They were homesick for their family and made the move. Dad worked as a Physical Therapist at McKay Dee Hospital for many years.

Dad loved building or looking at new homes and we moved often between Ogden, Roy, Morgan, and South Ogden, Utah.  He returned to graduate school in California at the University of San Francisco, where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration, graduating early. Dad quickly landed leadership roles and soon became the Director of the Stewart Rehabilitation Center. He later made a big move to Phoenix, Arizona (1983) where he worked at Good Samaritan Hospital as an Associate Administrator. Another move took them to Kansas City, Missouri (1996) where he worked at the Rehabilitation Institute before he retired in 2002, bringing one final move back home to Arizona. He traveled for many years doing CARF Surveys (Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) often taking his family with him. He was a great leader in his profession and was admired and respected for his knowledge of Rehabilitation. He was an advocate for the physically challenged.

Ron and Marlene had 5 children and we have been blessed to enjoy being a close-knit family. We cannot fully express how much we loved and admired our Dad. Our parents were married for 47 years when Mom passed away in 2010. He married Elaine Haycock Proffitt later that year. They were a bright light for each other and enjoyed their time together in Dad’s later years.

He was a quiet and unassuming hero in our lives. A man who loved life, found humor in every situation, and was the ever-present protector of his family. He was kind and followed the Golden Rule. He loved baseball, movies, popcorn, sunsets, and skies full of stars! He loved the outdoors and we spent vacations camping, hiking, river rafting, and fishing. He loved his country and it showed whenever a flag was raised or a patriotic song was sung.

Dad belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities over the years. He served in the Young Men’s Organization, Scouting, as an Executive Secretary, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Stake High Council, and in multiple bishoprics as either a Counselor or Bishop. He LOVED the gospel of Jesus Christ and had a strong testimony of the Savior’s divinity, its principles and doctrines, and a special place in his heart for Joseph Smith and church history. He loved the scriptures and studied them daily.

Ron is survived by his children Kristen Derrick, Scott Herrick, Stephanie (Josh) Simonton, and Marci (Tom) Crismon, 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, and his wife of 14 years, Elaine Proffitt Herrick.

He was preceded in death by his Eternal Companion, our mom—Marlene Herrick, daughter—Lisa Sawyer, son-in-law—David Derrick, his father and mother—Lloyd and Gwen Herrick, and his sister—DeAnn Galbraith.

We will be honoring Dad at a Celebration of Life to be held on July 27, 2024, at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 26023 S Lemon Ave. Queen Creek, AZ 85142. There will be a viewing immediately before the funeral from 8:30 am to 9:45 am. He will be buried at the Mesa City Cemetery, next to Marlene, located at 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.