Derald Ward Monson

Derald Ward Monson was born on May 20, 1930, to Leland Hans Monson and Ada Button Monson at the old Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah. He passed away surrounded by his loving family after 94 years of passionate living, due to complications from congestive heart failure. Derald's life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and love for his family, God, and country.

In 1947, Derald joined the military, serving in the 82nd Airborne for the U.S. Army at the end of World War II. He completed Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and later joined the U.S. Army Reserves, being drafted back during the Korean War. 

His career was diverse, including roles such as stocking shelves at American Food Stores, working at the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. He worked as a surveyor for the Bureau of Reclamation near Cimarron, Colorado; Walker, California; and Willard Bay, Utah. He was an assistant manager at Disco Market in Sparks, Nevada. He was a professional candy maker and had a candy shop in Virginia City, Nevada. He worked as a farmer on a potato farm in Aberdeen, Idaho. He served as a carpenter at the Defense Depot of Ogden for many years.

He was a record setting runner at Ogden High School. He continued his love for running for much of his life. He had a great love for animals, especially dogs. It was in his nature to be on the go looking for something beautiful. He loved traveling, photography, and nature. He loved storytelling and great literature. He enjoyed watching a drama where the underdog shines through.

A patriotic man, Derald often expressed his love for his country with a cheerful singing of "God bless America." He often expressed appreciation for all those that had served and given so much for their country. He found joy in quoting poetry, especially poetry written by his mother. He was also known for singing “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah” wherever he went. 

He held various callings in the church, including serving as branch president in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Elders Quorum president, and 2nd counselor in the Bishopric of Madison Ward in Ogden.

Derald lived by many mottos that inspired those around him: “Accentuate the Positive,” “Love through the problems,” “Kill ‘em with kindness,” “Can’t can’t do anything,” “The don’t of all don’ts is don’t get even,” “The pain of it will ease a bit if you’re a man who has true grit,” “Life’s hard by the yard, but it’s a cinch by the inch,” “You can eat an elephant one spoonful at a time,” “Don’t let procrastination take hold of you in any way. Do what needs to be done when it needs to be done and do it. Don’t put it off,” and “Love is the secret of life because it is our greatest source of happiness.”

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Joanne Russell; daughter, Avryl Monson; and his parents, Leland Hans Monson and Ada Button Monson; his sister, Dolores Monson Bonk; and his brothers, Wiley Monson and Leland H. Monson Jr. (Hans); and his grandson, Michael West.

Derald is survived by his wife, Ramona Huntington Stark Monson; former wives, Ruth Payne and Rochelle Robley; his brother, Mike Monson (Darlene); his children: Stephen Monson, Jeanie Evans (Dan), Tonya Kimber, Dana Monson (Milagros), Mimi Monson Eblen (Earl), Alana Monson (Dan), Joy Davis (Keith), Debby Sutherland (Mike), Connie Hughes (David), Richard Stark (Katherine), Molly Buck (Sam); former stepchildren: Kelly, Shari, and Katherine Noyes; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Derald’s legacy of kindness, hard work, and love will be cherished by all who knew him. His wisdom and spirited sayings will continue to guide and inspire.

His viewing will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the 22nd Ward at 900 East 2850 North in North Ogden. A funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. He will be interred in the Ogden City Cemetery.