Obituary
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Robert H. Moss, age 87, died peacefully surrounded by his five sons and daughters-in-laws, at Utah Valley Regional Hospital, on November 18, 2021. He was born on March 3, 1934 to loving and goodly parents, Clarence McAllister Moss and Olive Hafen, in the little Swiss Community of Santa Clara, Utah. He loved the beautiful and bountiful orchards which filled the valley. As a Boy Scout he earned the Eagle Scout rank – the third Eagle Scout in Santa Clara. He played football for Dixie High School under the legendary coach, Walt Brooks, and was known as an “explosive projectile.” He also played football at Dixie College.
He loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and loved to serve. He met Roberta Renner in Salt Lake City during a school speech meet and it was love at first sight. Following his graduation from high school he traveled to Salt Lake and he and his Sweetheart were soon married in the Salt Lake Temple. To that union were born five sons, all of whom served honorable missions for the Church. He was a loving father and patriarch to his family – always setting an example of righteousness and goodness.
He served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Scoutmaster, YMMIA President, Ward Chorister, Choir Leader, Priesthood and Sunday School Teacher, Bishop’s Counselor, Bishop, Ward Mission Leader and Stake Sunday School President. In addition, he loved serving as a Temple Ordinance Worker, where he served for over 14 years. Being a teacher was his favorite calling. It would be fitting to carve on his headstone, “He loved to Teach.” In addition, he authored over 18 books with most focused on the Book of Mormon; he served three missions with our mother at Martin's Cove; and gave over 100 firesides about the handcart pioneers to over 8000 youth.
Soon after his marriage he enlisted in the Utah Army National Guard and served there until called to active duty following the Korean War. He did a tour of duty in Germany as part of the 47th Infantry, which included being accepted to play football on the regimental squad, which was a great opportunity for him. Later in his military career with the Utah Army National Guard, he became a member of the Special Forces and made over 50 parachute jumps. He retired from the military with over 34 years of service, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The last 20 years of that service was as a military chaplain. He loved the United States of America and was very patriotic and gave many presentations on the Constitution. He also served as a chaplain to the Sandy City Police Department.
Robert, with his wife, Roberta, worked very hard for a number of years to create a very successful business. This provided the opportunity for them to work with many, many individuals and to travel the world.
Education was a priority to Bob. He graduated from Dixie College, Southern Utah State College, and Brigham Young University, with additional courses from the University of Wyoming. He completed his doctorate in education from BYU. As a youth during the Great Depression, his mother convinced him to become a teacher. He did so and pursued his vocation until his retirement. He taught elementary school in Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming. He served as an elementary principal and superintendent of schools, and finished his career as a college professor, serving at the University of Colorado and Southern Utah State College. He also worked for several years at the Utah State Board of Education.
In 2017, he and four of his five sons had a very memorable trip to Israel and Jordan. This trip had been on his bucket list for many years. He was so thrilled to be in the Holy Land and was particularly touched to visit the Garden Tomb. He had great faith in the resurrection and a hope for eternal life through our Savior Jesus Christ.
Bob was preceded in death by his Sweetheart, Roberta, who passed away on December 2, 2012. They celebrated 60 years of marriage a few months prior to her death. He married Della Foster Moser from Preston, Idaho, who was a faithful companion until her death on January 6, 2018. He then married Marlene Howe, from Salt Lake City, who has been his loving companion until the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife, Marlene; five sons, Steve, Ken (Kendra), Alan (Jeanette), Bryan (Stacie), and Dennis (Marilyn); his brothers, Dave (Janiel) and Mike (Jeanine), and sister, Ruth (Don); and other dear relatives to include 22 grandchildren with 13 spouses; and 36 great-grandchildren.
The family thanks all who cared for him in his last days with particular gratitude to the wonderful nursing staff at Utah Valley Regional Hospital for their compassionate care.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Eagle Cliff Ward Chapel, 1600 East Buttercup Drive (10184 South), Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held in the same location Sunday evening, November 28, 2021, from 5:30 -7:00 p.m. and Monday morning from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral services. Interment will be in the Veterans Memorial Park Cemetery Camp Williams, Bluffdale, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.
Events
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Sandy, UT 84092
09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Sandy, UT 84092
01:00 PM
Bluffdale, UT 84065