Ricky Russ Simmons
Ricky Russ Simmons, age 41, of Riverton, Utah passed away February 20, 2022 in the arms of his mom, Tina Simmons. She guided him to be the first in the family to give Jesus a hug.
Ricky, son of Rick and Tina Simmons, attended and proudly graduated from St. Francis Xavier School, Judge Memorial Catholic High School and the University of Utah. He enjoyed his career as a Higher Education Administrator at Western Governor’s University.
Ricky was a gentle giant who had a way of making those around him feel they were the most important thing to him. In life, we are lucky if we get to experience that ONE friendship that embodies everything a friend should be. You were even luckier if that friend was Ricky Simmons. He was ‘a big deal’ to those who knew and loved him. Ricky was the true definition of ‘ride or die’. If you had a flat tire - he was there. If you needed to forget your problems, he made you forget. If you were upset with someone, he’d talk so much trash about them (true or not) just to make you laugh.
Ricky’s dry humor, quick wit, and lighthearted nature made things more enjoyable. Ricky shared nicknames, inside jokes, sarcasm, code words, and loyalty with those he loved. He was not the social director but was always the enforcer of having fun and encouraging many shenanigans. He could talk you into doing anything and was the ultimate motivator. As the oldest grandchild he was often the leader of the pack and with his many friends too. The examples he set and the values he taught were often good but sometimes naughty.
Family was everything to Ricky. Hands down, he and his dad Rick Simmons were the best of friends. Ricky was a self-proclaimed mama’s boy. He and his mom shared their wide-ranging love of music and had the same sense of humor.
Growing up, his sister Lacey was his other half. They shared many funny inside jokes, gestures, and made countless treasured memories together. Many of those memories included the mischief they had cooked up together. He was a dedicated, loving, and protective brother. When she married Loran Delmas, the fun multiplied and they enjoyed many rivalries between their favorite sport teams.
Ricky grew up on the lap of “Uncle Russy” in his wheelchair. As he grew older, he was his legs and muscles. Uncle Russy thought Ricky was perfect and could do no wrong. They were superheroes in one another’s eyes.
“Uncle” was Ricky’s favorite role. He adored his nephews Peyton and Oliver. They were his world. He loved talking about all the things he was planning to teach them, hoping Lacey would not get upset. He took on the Superhero Uncle with them. They lived the theme “Only at Uncle’s”. He was happiest when taking them fishing and camping, teaching them the art of football or playing legos, TMNT or trucks. You could often find them playing football in the front yard and setting up camp in the living room. He helped Peyton catch his first fish and taught Oliver how to try to beat his brother at football. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a favorite of them all. Ricky was Oliver’s Godfather. Uncle will live on in The Boys.
One could not speak of Ricky without mentioning his love of sports, the Utah Jazz, Notre Dame, University of Utah, Raiders, New York Yankees, The Red Zone, Star Wars, Dukes of Hazard, Sportsman and Outdoor Channel, Young Guns, Braveheart, wearing graphic T-Shirts, khaki shorts, ball caps, He-Man, fishing, camping, bon-fires, lasagna, mexican food, going to Jim’s after going to church, Dodge trucks, Metallica, Garth Brooks, and the eclectic music he and his mom shared.
The current lady in his life was his beloved puppy Winnie “The Pooh.” She was spoiled, and naughty and he loved her.
Ricky is survived by parents Rick & Tina Simmons; sister Lacey Delmas (Loran); nephews Peyton & Oliver; grandma Jolene Simmons; godfather Joe Pacheco; madrina Mary Johnson. He also leaves behind many aunts and uncles: Curt Simmons (Wendy); Cathy Cenci (Kurtis); Brad Simmons (Angel); Mark Pacheco (Barbara); Lisa Miller; John Pacheco (Lynette); cousins: Camrann, Sam, Miles, Collin, Marshall, Taryn, Bryce, Taylor, Kylee, Toni, Kevin, Andrew, Jona, Johnny, Brandon, Matthew and Michael; we want to acknowledge his BFF Jason Atkin and his MANY friends, especially the men and women in “Ricky’s Dawg Pound.”
Preceded in Death by his special uncle, Russell Simmons; cousin Britt Nielsen; grandparents: grandpa Allen Simmons, grandpa Celestino Pacheco; grandma Grommy Ann LeMasters; aunt Bonnie Pacheco; uncle Laurence Pacheco (Roger).
Celebration of life will be hosted by his many friends at 1:00 pm Saturday February 26,2022 in the Juan Diego Catholic High School cafeteria, 300 East 11800 South, Draper, Utah. There will be a Catholic Graveside service at a later date.
We are hurting in a way we never thought possible. Mostly, we do not know what to do next. How do our lives go on without Ricky? We don’t have the answers.
We remember his soft yet deep voice, giggle when he was teasing us, and belly laugh. They are now memories. They will help fill our empty emotional buckets. Ricky’s big bear hugs and loving dedication will forever be missed. Please bear hug your loved ones in honor of him.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to the college funds for Peyton and Oliver or to the memorial fund being established to help kids of working class parents. (a cause close to his heart). You can donate through long-term friend Farrola via Venmo: @Farrah801. Peace and love to all.
Venite Ad me Omnes
Come To me All