Ronald Roy Rollins passed away November 17, 2023 at his home in Providence, Utah. He was born October 2, 1930 in Tooele, Utah to Warren L. Rollins and Marcella June Miller Rollins. Ronald would be the first of nine children born to the couple and as his mother said, he would set the standard, and a high standard it was.
His younger years were spent in Tooele, but when WWII broke out, the family moved to California where his father could work in the ship yards.
Ron graduated from San Pedro High School in 1948 where he excelled in almost every sport. Following the end of the war the family returned to Utah, settling in St. George where his father established a photo shop which to this day is still operational. Ron would help in the shop as well as work at the Chevron Gas Station to earn money for school and the mission he would eventually take.
He attended Dixie College (1950-53) graduating and going on to work on his Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Fuel Technology at the University of Utah. While working on his degree at the UofU he was drafted into the Army, serving his time of duty in France. Upon returning he was almost immediately called on a Mission to serve for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. This was one of the highlights of his life. He loved the people he served and had many spiritual experiences. His time in France serving for the Army gave him an advantage with the French language and he was often told by people that his French dialect was impeccable.
Upon returning from his mission he returned to his studies at the University of Utah. He was sealed to his first wife, Monique Blanche Thaon, whom he had met in France, in September of 1957. Ronald finally graduated from the University of Utah in 1962 with a degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in recognition of his attainments as shown by advanced studies and research in Metallurgy. He took great pride in the fact that he had studied and been tutored under the guiding hands of such renowned scientists as Melvin Cook and Dr. Henry Eyring.
His career spanned over 30 years and during that time he became a renowned scientist in the field of metallurgy and blasting, being recognized in over 8 “Who’s Who in America”. He taught as a professor at both at the University of Missouri in Rolla, and West Virginia University in Morgan Town, WV. He was often approached by the government and other large businesses to act as an expert witness in cases involving blasting incidents. He was also very proud of the fact that during the Viet Nam War he developed a “Non-injurious Intrusion Device” that was used around U. S. bases that protected those inside the confines of the area but would set off an alarm without killing anyone if an intruder tried to penetrate the area.
Monique and Ron had five children born to them, four sons and one daughter. Life was busy and full for Ronald. He actively served in his callings in the Church, being called to serve in two bishoprics and eventually as a Bishop, and then on the High Council.
In 1992 his marriage to Monique ended and he retired from teaching at West Virginia, accepting a missionary calling with the Church to teach at the campus of BYU-Hawaii. It was there that he met his second wife, Patricia Hunsicker. It was a very fast courtship, lasting only 10 days before he asked her to marry him and they were married for Time in the Laie Temple by the university president, Alton Wade. New exciting adventures lay ahead for the both of them. His two year mission was extended to 5 years and many friends and spiritual growth was gained.
Returning to the mainland, in 1997 they took up residence in Post Falls, Idaho. It was there that they were both called to serve as Welfare Missionaries in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, working in the church employment center helping individuals gain new skills and better employment. It was a very gratifying time. During this same time Ron and Pat were called as Temple Workers in the Seattle Temple which meant traveling each month from Post Falls to Seattle where they would serve for a week each month. When it was announced that the Spokane temple would be built, they were released from the Seattle assignment with the understanding they would work at the Spokane Temple when completed and dedicated. When this did finally occur they were both called as trainers at the new temple.
But Ron was needed elsewhere. His language skills caught the interest of the missionary department in Salt Lake and Ron received a phone call inquiring as to whether he would be interested in serving at the Bern Switzerland Temple where individuals with language skills were desperately needed.
This was a dream come true for Ronald. He had assisted at the Swiss Temple while on his mission, helping with the Open House and Dedication and now he was going to be able to return and serve. This assignment for the Lord was the highlight of all his serve. Old acquaintances were renewed and new and lasting friendships made. The spiritual highlights were beyond words. This was definitely the way he wanted to end his missionary career.
Returning home to the states after two years of service, a brief time was spent in Allen, Texas near Pat’s daughter’s family and then it was finding a place to settle and finally retire. A son, Michael and his family were in the Logan, Utah area and he encouraged Ron to come check it out. As Ron and Pat drove through Logan Canyon and had their first glimpse of Logan and the beautiful Temple, the Spirit told them that this was the place. It took a little over a year for them to find the retirement home they wanted but when they did, they knew they were home for good.
Ronald was an author of two books, “Rock and Ice” and “God the Intelligent Designer”. With the basis of these books Ron gave lectures and firesides all over Europe and most of the Western U.S. States. He felt it was very important for all people to know how and when the Earth was formed and the time frame in which it occurred. He was a scientist by profession but a true believer of the Word of God and His timeline, and he blended scientific facts with scripture to bring the facts forward.
He leaves behind his children; Aline Hurst (Rick), Bruce (Teresa); daughter-in-law, Joy; his wife’s children, Gretchen McKee (Matt), Richelle Robinson (Daniel), Michelle Scott (Jimmy), and Deanna Hunter-Schachle; two sisters, Rochelle Stout (Brian), and Carma Watrous (Michael); and four brothers, Charles (Sylvia), Craig (Suzie), Richard (Dani), and David (Mary).
Ronald is preceded in death by his sons, Michael, Scott and Daniel; parents, Warren and Marcella Rollins; brother, Ray Rollins; sister, Marcie Sprofera; grandson, Robert Daulton Campbell; and a great grandson, Garrett.
Ronald was blessed with twenty-nine grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren. He leaves a family he truly loved and who greatly loved and will miss him.
A funeral will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 S 100 E Logan, UT.
Viewings will also be held at White Pine on Friday, December 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday prior to the funeral from 9:30 to 10:30 am.
Interment at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho.
Those who would like to attend the funeral virtually may use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82091905236
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at White Pine Funeral Home.