Born on November 22, 1945, Ron was raised in Deweyville by his parents, Lamont Gardner and Mildred Florez-Gardner. He graduated from Bear River High School, served honorably in the U.S. Navy, and went on to work in a wide range of fields. Whether at the sawmill, Pillsbury, or as a jack-of-all-trades at the Ogden City Housing Authority, Ron brought tireless dedication and integrity to every job. He was always working, always building. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and grit that lives on in his children.

In 1969, Ron married Jackie Craghead. Together they raised four children: Stefan (Adele) Gardner, Annjeanette (Marvin) Ellis, Deanna Espinoza, and Sheldon (Crysta) Gardner. Though Ron and Jackie later divorced, they remained friends. In 1996, Ron married Helenmae Maxwell, embracing her four children as part of the family: Lorna Allen, Ivan Maxwell, Brian Maxwell, and Aleisha Maxwell.

Ron was a proud grandfather to 21 grandchildren: Andrea Ellis, Derimi Ellis, Alexis (Cinderella) Ellis, Seti Ellis, AtumRa Ellis, Jacoy Gardner, Townes Espinoza, Kristi Lee Sessions, Malachy Gardner, Vivian Malan, Azalea Gardner, Shaelyn Andrews, Mylee Maxwell, Cameron Maxwell, Calob Maxwell, Morgan Maxwell, Madilynn Maxwell, Trystin Maxwell, Traven Corbett, Tallen Corbett, Aesen Dohman; and 3 great-grandchildren Lila Sessions, Elliott Sessions, and Avery Ellis.

A familiar face in the Ogden community, Ron was always running into someone he knew. He cherished time with his children and grandchildren–they were his greatest joy, and the light of his life. He found peace in the outdoors, whether birdwatching, hunting, fishing, or creating art. Known for his booming laugh, sharp wit, and radiant smile, Ron had a gift for turning ordinary moments into grand adventures. A simple train ride with his grandson became a journey of wonder. A quiet afternoon became a celebration. His presence filled every room with warmth and energy.

Ron could fix anything. He was always building, always creating, always helping. His humor, generosity, and boundless spirit touched countless lives. Ron was happy to be an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Emelio Joe Florez and Margarite Chacon-Florez, his parents, Lamont and Mildred; His sister Tawnya, brothers, Silver and Randy; and his grandson, Malachy. He is survived by his wife Helenmae, his sister Cindy (Sid) Miller, his aunt Suzanna Florez, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, and many dear friends gathered along the way.

A public viewing will be held at Leavitt’s Mortuary, 836 36th Street, Ogden, on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Sullivan Hollow Ward, 976 33rd Street, Ogden, on Saturday, November 15, 2025. A family viewing will take place from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Aultorest Memorial Park, 836 36th Street, Ogden.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com