On Dec. 22, there was a joyous reunion between our dad and many friends and family awaiting for his return. Richard L Phelps passed away from complications of Covid. Rick was born Nov 5, 1930 in Oakland, California to Rufus and Winnifred Phelps and was the adored baby brother of Donna and Winnie. He grew up in Oakland, California. Dad had a great love for Oakland and the Bay Area. All his children had the opportunity to go with him there for his 84th birthday, where he was able to share the memories of his childhood with them. That is a trip they all will cherish.

Rick attended BYU, where he was on the varsity wrestling team and earned a bachelors of science degree in accounting, and eventually his CPA.

In June of 1950, he served a two year mission to the Uruguay/Paraguay mission. He had a love for the Latin culture and continued to use his Spanish speaking skills throughout his life, teaching ESL classes to hundreds of individuals looking to make a better life for themselves in the US.

He served in the Korean War in the Army and received a medal for good conduct.

In September of 1960, he married his sweetheart, Kathryn Ferguson Phelps in the SLC temple. Together, they raised 6 children Jim (Cammy), Ron, (Lisa), Bill (Shaunna), Kathy, Julie (Ryan) and Glenna who passed away at four years old. They have 23 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, with 3 more on the way.

After Kathryn's passing, he found his second love, Virginia Stringham Phelps. They shared 10 years of marriage until her passing, 3 weeks prior to his. Together, they served an LDS mission in Utah County. They enjoyed traveling together, serving others and hours of conversation.

Our father loved his life, but understood there was a greater meaning. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served many callings. In 1984 he was called as a Bishop in the Lehi 3rd Ward, then as Second Counselor in the Stake Presidency with his dear friend President Val Tucker. He served as the Executive Secretary to the MTC President and enjoyed many years as a temple ordinance worker.

He was honored by the Red Cross for donating thousands of pints of blood throughout the years. He received The President's Called to Serve award for volunteering over 4,000 hours, teaching ESL to hundreds of immigrants and helping them attain their US citizenship.

He served countless hours doing the little things for people. He would take the garbage cans out for his entire retirement community, volunteer at the elementary schools to teach kindergartners to read, and he was always the last person to leave a ward activity as he needed to ensure everything was cleaned up. He never passed up the opportunity to shovel a driveway for someone or help hotel staff plant new flowers, even when he was on vacation. He was truly a giant among men and lived to serve.

The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of Covington Living and Bristol Home Health who cared for him in his final days. Many of the staff were able to say their final goodbyes and would share stories of how their lives were impacted by his sweet and caring ways.

Family and close friends are welcome to attend the service on Tuesday December 29 at 11:00 am at the Mount Jordan 3rd Ward Chapel, 8950 South 400 East, Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service starting at 10:00 am. Please follow COVID 19 guidelines wearing masks and social distancing. Please send condolences to Wing Mortuary of Lehi, Utah.