Rod Jay Ralphs was born June 13, 1962 in Idaho Falls, Idaho and passed away suddenly of cancer in Meridian, Idaho on May 31, 2018, at age 55. Rod was raised in Spokane, Washington, before moving briefly to Burley, Idaho where he graduated from Burley High School. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Buenos Aires Argentina and used his Spanish-speaking abilities to help many people in the community.
Rod graduated from Brigham Young University (BA/English) and University of Idaho (JD/Law). On September 15, 1989, he married his eternal companion, Jennifer Lynn Lasson, in the Jordan River Temple; they are the parents of six children. Rod was employed as a lawyer for 23 years and at the time of death, was the in-house attorney for Beehive Homes, a national assisted living corporation. Rod cherished his work with youth and held several leadership positions dedicated to their development: Bishop of the 10 Mile Ward, Stake Young Men’s President, High Councilman, and various scouting positions. Rod’s strength of character, testimony of Jesus Christ, excellent public speaking, and unforgettable, witty humor blessed the lives of many. Rod enjoyed fly fishing, was a voracious reader with a photographic memory, but most of all, loved spending time creating memories with his wife and children. He would go the extra mile to make events meaningful.
Rod will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, children: Carson (Faith), Austin (Karis), Bryan, Landon, Ashlyn, Straton, and granddaughter, Charity. His parents, Eldon and Charmaine Ralphs and siblings: Penny (Ron) Nickle, Becky (Carl) Swain, Rich (Kami), James (Anita), Charmaine (Charlie) Dieux, aunts, uncles, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and Lasson family in-laws. Preceding Rod in death are his grandsons, Luke and Samuel, and grandparents: Jay and Helen Ralphs and Thomas X. and Arvilla Smith. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Keystone Hospice, the staff at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Bella Vida Funeral Home, and all those who have contributed to the support of Rod’s family.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 9th at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center, 1985 N. Black Cat Rd., Meridian, Idaho. A viewing will take place from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. preceding the funeral and the internment afterwards is scheduled to take place at the Terrace Lawn Cemetery in Meridian.
We would like to invite family and friends to share memories of Rod to be compiled into a book for his children and grandchildren. Please email to: carsonralphs@gmail.com
5 Comments
Gone too soon… a great loss. He was so kind and friendly in every way and to all!
God bless and keep you!! A beautiful forever family for sure.
I am truly sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. I hope the Ralphs family find comfort and strength in Jesus promise along with our heavenly father Jehovah of the earthly resurrection, where death will be eliminated forever. Truly, what a glorious and almost unbelievable day that will be! It’s a reality though for God cannot lie!
Rod was my Bishop in the 10 Mile Ward when I was going through some important decisions in my life. My mom and I had a bit of a lonely Christmas at the house. A secret santa visit from the ward and a visit from carolers still warm my heart. He was probably the one to direct members of the ward to help us out. Rod Ralphs worked with me to get my mission paperwork together, and counseled with me to work overtime and multiple jobs to save up money for the mission so that I would go to the field with more appreciation and responsibility, and I’m glad for his counsels. I remember his big smile and I’m grateful for his service. I’m sorry for your loss.
May the God of peace be with the family during this most difficult time.
Romans 15:33
Rod Ralphs was a very fine person and wonderful priesthood holder. He was also, as the obituary states, always ready with a fun remark and a wonderfully warm and welcoming demeanor. Just can’t believe he is gone. I look forward to meeting him again in a future day in the eternities. All the best to Jennifer and the family.
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