Ricky Russ Simmons
April 9, 1980 - February 20, 2022
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
In Loving Memory
Rick, Tina and Lacy, Your Ricky's darling personality and kindness are the memories that I have of him. I am so Very Very Sorry for all of you. I hope that you will find Peace and Comfort in knowing that Ricky made our World a Better Place, and for that we are all Blessed. Please know that you are in my Prayers God Bless With Love, ~Micheon
Such a wonderful tribute love the obituary God bless you guys? Love ��
Ricky was the best bud a girl could ask for during our Francis & Judge years. He was a comedian, a protector, and always full of life. He was bigger than life in so many ways. He could make you laugh with just a look, a word, or a gesture and sometimes the timing was impeccable and got us all in trouble (when we were supposed to be sitting in silence). Such a soft hearted friend and gentle giant. I remember talking on the phone (the kind that still had cords) for hours about absolutely nothing and yet it was the most entertaining and satisfying conversation. He earned his angel wings way too soon and he is going to be missed by many. Regret that life didn't cross our paths more as adults but thankful for being able to call you friend! Love you tons, Simmons!!!
Sending love and light to you, Rick and Tina. Keep sharing the good memories and all the things that you love about Ricky. My condolences and love, Jen Healey (Don & Shelly's daughter)
I had the pleasure of working with Ricky at WGU. Ricky's kindness was always present in all the interactions and meetings we had. My thoughts are with his family and friends. We will miss him deeply here at WGU and are so grateful for the time we had with him on team PASS.
Dear Rick, Tina, and Lacey, I am so very sorry to have learned of Ricky’s passing. He was truly a very special person. After reading the beautiful story of his life, I am so proud that I was a part of his life so many years ago. I looked up his class in their graduation yearbook. They were such a special group of people to me. I remember Ricky being humorous and having an abundance of common sense. He was thoughtful and caring of others. He was truly a linchpin for that group. My prayers and my love are with you. Veronica
I was so sad to hear about Ricky passing. He has left the world far too soon. I remember him being such a loving and fun friend in high school to so many. Sending so many prayers to his family. This obituary is written so beautifully. May his memory be eternal!
I would like to send my heart felt condolences and prayers to the family of Ricky. I had the pleasure of working with Ricky at Western Governors University, and I am glad that I was provided the opportunity to work with him. I pray that the family of friends will find comfort in the memories that you had of him and with him.
Dear "Big Rick," Tina "Dora," and Lacey, My heart goes out to you. "Little Ricky" and Lacey were a big part of my childhood and those memories never fail to put a smile on my face. Ricky was one of the most fun-loving people I have ever known and he was always so good with my brothers and I. I will always cherish those childhood memories and am so grateful to have known him. Sending my love to you all, Miranda Garcia
I’m so thankful of the many years of friendship I had with Ricky. Ricky deserves the best of words, Loyal, Kind, Smart, Funny...he was an all around bad ass. I will always remember his kindness and laughter being contagious. He was so proud of his family and held each of them on the highest pedestal. I’m thankful that I got to grow up with a man like Ricky, he will be forever missed and never forgotten. Sending love and hugs to Rick, Tina, Lacey, Loren, Peyton and Oliver �� -Brittany Berg
Dear Rick & Tina, Sometime has gone by. I know it probably is not any easier! I will always remember Little Rick's smile! Memories of Ricky, Miles & Collin playing in Grandma & Grandpa's backyard In their favorite water fountain! Even though we can't see him we can hold tight to all the good memories & know he is by your side andWatching over you. Gone too young, but still very near us all. He will go on in our hearts �� He will be waiting with Grandpa for all of us. Love, Aunt Wendy
I am abslolutley heartbroken right now.......... I had not heard and had no clue. So please let me talk to my friend: Brother, I have no other greater memories than with you. Our times at the Lazy Dog playing pool (which you were awful at) and playing the crane machine winning Scarface merch. Our talks, our movie nights, our beer pong nights, our Yankee game nights, and you scolding me for pretty much everything I did lol only cause you cared, and so many other memories to share... I am sitting here crying feeling horrible you never got to meet my son, Dexter... You would have been so proud... I am raising him to love the Yankees, the Rangers, the Utes, and I'm sorry cause I tried like hell to get you to come to a game, but love RSL... I can't begin to tell you how much you meant to me. You were there through so many great and hard times, and I am completely devastated we lost touch. I have been trying to message you since the first of the year, and you always would respond, but I didn't understand why you hadn't, and now that hurts even more... Why the fuck didn't I get in the car with Dexter and drive to your house?!?!?! I am so sad, and I know I said it already, but completely heartbroken. Please know, I love you my bro with all my heart, and honestly I have the best memories and stories ever with you. I hope you can see this and know that I will continue to raise my son just like you had hoped I always would. Rickdawg, I love you my friend and I hope you always know that. LET'S FUCKIN GO YANKS.... Your Brother, Todd
Tina, Rick, Lacey. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. He was a great friend & growing up across the street from each other was awesome! We had many great times & even better memories. I am sure he is in the heights of the heavens & smiling. I am so sorry for your loss. My love & well wishes to your whole family. Love T.J. Vega
In Loving Memory
