Ronald Kurt White

Ronald Kurt White, 86, of St. Johns, Arizona, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024 in his home under hospice care and with caring members of his family attending him. Ron was born in a log cabin near Hooper, Colorado on November 13, 1938. Ron is the second son of Edith Coombs and Wesley Curtis White.

Ron proudly and honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956-1959 followed with his service as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexican Mission (1960-1962). He married Elva LaFawn Jones on February 7, 1964 in the Manti Utah Temple. Ron graduated with bachelor and master degrees from Brigham Young University.

Ron began his career as an educator in Vernal, Utah, then as a shop teacher in St. Johns, Arizona at the High School. Ron then had the opportunity to work at the Career Education program providing education on trade based career opportunities for high school students in the region. Ron went on to serve the people of the Navajo Nation at Many Farms, Rough Rock and eventually became the Director of Education for the boarding school in Leupp, Arizona and Tolani Lake, Arizona.

Ron served many years as a dedicated leader in the Boy Scouts of America. In his tenure as a scouter he received the honor of the District Award of Merit and the distinguished Silver Beaver award.

Among the many years of church service, he has served many varied callings from being a Sunday School teacher to the many faithful years he served as the Regional Manager of the Home Food Storage (dry pack) for St. Johns Stake in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, LaFawn, his daughter, Abby, his parents, Wesley Curtis and Edith Coombs, brothers, Wesley and Jeffrey and grandson, Ethan.

He is survived by his children, Lisa (Will) Dunman, Waddell; Kurt (Lana) White, Clovis, California; Paula (Sean) Guthrie, Kingman; LaNette (Dale) Palmer, Winchendon, Massachusetts; Scott (Joanna) White, Goodyear; Mira (Tommie) White, Mesa; Brent (Jackie) White, St. Johns; Carl (Tom) White, Phoenix; brother, Lowell White, son-in-law, Jerry Alspach and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Ron's posterity includes 24 grandchildren, Trae (Alyssa) Dunman, Tyler Dunman, Sadie (Alec) Solomon, Kyle White, Cameron White, Joshua (Kelly) White, Macy (Ben) Smith, Ethan White, Zachary (Audrey) White, Britton White, Seth Guthrie, Madison Guthrie, Jessica Swapp, Katie Palmer, Shyla Palmer, Emily White, Wesley White, Ryder White, Michael White, Preston White, Myung Penrod, Vahn Penrod, Lillie Penrod, Nolan White and 10 great-grandchildren, Ellie, Payton, Hayes, Navy, Reed, Arthas, Kyris, Agatha, Judith and Theodore.

A funeral service will be held Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns Downtown Chapel, 35 W Cleveland St., St. Johns, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the St. Johns Westside Cemetery.