Ralph Stephen VonCannon

Ralph Stephen VonCannon was born on March 1, 1943, in Mt. Airy (Mayberry), North Carolina. He passed away at home on February 18, 2025, due to complications of Parkinson's. 

Ralph was born to Annie Gay Marion and Herman Willis VonCannon, the 3rd child of 11. Ralph grew up in several cities in North Carolina, and after graduating high school, moved to Hollywood, CA with his older brother Jerry. While in California, he attended Victorville Community college, and later received a mission call to the North Central States. 

While serving his mission in Great Falls, MT, he met his future wife, Bonnie Gail Henderson. They began writing to each other after he transferred out of the area, and after his mission were married on May 28, 1966 in the Los Angeles temple. During the span of their marriage, they moved several times across the country, before finally settling in St. George in 1987. Ralph and Bonnie had three children -- Brigit, Ravelle, and Ryan.

Ralph worked as a hearing aid specialist most of his professional life, forging deep friendships with many of his clients. New customers would fly into St. George from out of state due to his reputation as an honest and caring person and businessman. 

Ralph was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and served in many capacities, his favorite being a Gospel Doctrine teacher. He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and spent many hours studying. He was renowned for his vast knowledge of the scriptures, being able to quote by memory and bring to life any verse requested. He had a remarkable way of relating any scripture story to a person's individual situation or struggle, bringing meaningful understanding of God's love for His children.

He enjoyed the outdoors, fast cars and motorcycles, working on engines, and building his own furniture. He was known for his ingenuity, as he could build or fix about anything.

He loved people, welcoming anyone to sit and visit with him. He ministered to all in need, literally any time, day or night. Ralph had a great sense of humor, joking with people and making them laugh -- right up to his last week of life, when he could no longer speak. He had an immense capacity to love, and will be remembered for his compassion and genuine friendship to all who knew him. Close friends in the early part of his life knew him as "Fuzz". Later in life he became affectionally known to some as "The Reverend". He was a wonderful father, husband, grand & great-grandfather, teacher, mentor, and friend.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bonnie VonCannon; daughter Brigit (Kelly) Atkin, daughter Ravelle (Jeremy) Lawrence, son Ryan (Kim) VonCannon; 8 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Lora "Jeri" Peterson Robinson, Susan (Garth) Wood, Deborah Higbee, Aleta (Karl) Knudson, and brothers Jerry, John (Carol), and Roger (Melissa) VonCannon. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Charles and David VonCannon, sister Betty (Al) Thompson, and brothers-in-law Don Peterson, David Robinson, and Brad Higbee.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Ralph's life on Monday, February 24th at the Winchester Hills 1st Ward Chapel, 5338 N Winchester Drive South, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held at 9AM, with funeral services at 11AM. Interment will be at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

A special Thank You to the wonderful people of Canyon Hospice, Rocky Mountain Home Care, and Always Best Care. Their gentle and compassionate service is much appreciated by Ralph's family.