Ronald Mickelson Morrison

It is with profound sadness, yet gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Ronald Mickelson Morrison passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024. He was 87 years old.

Ron was born on May 28, 1936, to Francis E. Morrison and Cleo M. Morrison in Lovell, Wyoming. He is the second of nine children. Growing up in Lovell, he had an enjoyable childhood filled with adventure, and the camaraderie of his siblings and cousins. From an early age, he exhibited a natural talent for sports, especially basketball, spending countless hours honing his skills on the dirt court his dad made at their family home on Main Street.

One of the defining moments of Ron's youth was his participation on the first state championship basketball team for Lovell High School in 1953, a triumph that would forever hold a special place in his heart. Throughout his life, Ron learned the importance of patience, discipline, unity, and hard work. Ron attended college at the University of Wyoming for a short time, and Northwest College in Powell. He was also in the National Guard.

Ron served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Australia Brisbane Mission in 1956.  Upon returning from his mission, Ron attended Brigham Young University where he met his sweetheart, Beverly Taylor. They married in April 1963 in the Idaho Falls Temple.  After graduating with a degree in accounting, Ron moved home to Lovell to work with his dad and his older brother, Evan, in the family business.

Ron built his life where his roots ran deepest, raising his own family in the same hometown that had nurtured him. Here, he found fulfillment in watching his five children grow, imparting upon them the same values and principles that had guided his own life.  As a father, he nurtured his children with unconditional love, guidance, and support, instilling in them the values of faith and integrity.  Ron was also a loyal friend, always ready to offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement.

Ron was deeply committed to his faith in God and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He served in various leadership capacities within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including Bishop, Stake President, and President of the Billings Montana Temple. He also served a mission in the Nauvoo Illinois Temple with his loving wife, Beverly. He especially cherished their time in the temple and the friends they made there.

In his leisure time, Ron enjoyed reading, spending time with Bev and their family, and finding joy and fulfillment in the simple pleasures of life.  Whether gathered around the dinner table for Sunday supper, or cheering on the Lovell Bulldogs and BYU Cougars, he cherished every moment shared with loved ones.

Ron will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 61 years, Beverly Taylor Morrison, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and companionship. His legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on through their five children and their spouses Kelli (Mike) Steenbakkers, Jeffrey (Cindy) Morrison, Brett (Denise) Morrison, Wendy (Will) Winterholler and Todd (Evelynn) Morrison who were blessed to call him dad. Additionally, Ron leaves behind 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy and happiness into his life.  He is also survived by his siblings Beverly Thomas, Doug (Susan) Morrison, Ann (Allan) Kropf, Richard Morrison, Sue (Garry) Borders, Bruce (Linda) Morrison, Brother-in-law Phil (Adele) Taylor and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Cleo, brothers Francis Evan and Joseph Arthur, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Keith and Rhea Taylor, and brother-in-law Darwin Thomas.

Dad, we hope your legacy of love, faith, and leadership continue to inspire and uplift others, and may your spirit find eternal rest in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.  Until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held at the Lovell Wyoming LDS Stake Center on Friday, April 19 at 2:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at the Lovell Cemetery.

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