Norman Paul Ruppe
Norman Paul Ruppe, age 47, passed away unexpectedly in his home on July 10. Norman had a great love for life and his family. Norman was born on March 5, 1969, to Clyde Norman and Alice Bodily Ruppe in Vernal. Norman grew up in Vernal on the family farm. He was the leader of “The Wild Bunch and Sis.” He graduated from Jordan High School in 1987 while living with his uncle Errol and aunt Janice. Norman was a Uintah Ute through and through. Norman went on to pursue a career in sales and service because he enjoyed people and talking with anyone. He truly had the gift to gab. He could strike up a conversation with anyone about anything. Norman was also gifted to work with his hands. He could make anything. He delighted to see new things, new places and traveling. After working in sales, he thrived in the trucking and transportation industry. Nothing gave Norman more pleasure than including his family in his hobbies. He took pride in his children's accomplishments, and he enjoyed spending time with them. Norman loved to joke with his kids. Norman was a skilled story teller, photographer, marksman and loved to rendezvous with his family. He was a very family oriented man. Norman was also an accomplished cook; his cooking will be missed by everyone. Norman was the oldest of 10 children. Norman purchased his grandparents' old home, and he and his wife spent years fixing up the place to be a home for themselves and their children.
He was an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He earned his Eagle Scout. He enjoyed working with the young men in the scouting program. He was a beloved scout leader. He also served as a member of the elder's quorum presidency, Sunday school presidency, nursery leader, an elder's quorum instructor. Norman also served in the community as a volunteer fire fighter and a fire chief for Naples City.
Norman and Shelly's marriage was solemnized on March 7, 1998, in the Logan Utah Temple. He learned to love animals with the encouragement of his wife. His most memorable quote is telling someone to “Go play in the freeway”.
Norman had the ability to love his friends and family deeply and sincerely. He loved to learn new things, discover new gadgets, and understanding technological advances. He loved '80's rock-n-roll, especially Bon Jovi. He was a proud, card carrying, NRA member.
Norman is survived by the love of his life, Shelly Austin Ruppe; his children: Alex Paul, Jacob Norman and Jenny Karie Ruppe; his parents, Clyde and Alice Bodily Ruppe; brothers: Glen (Vici), Phil, Chris, Andy and Mike; sisters: Alicia (Lance) Wilkins, Angela (Taylon) Slaugh, Alayna Ruppe and Adri (Eric) Fuchs; mother and father-in-law, Pam and David Austin; brother and sister-in-laws: Brian (Denise), Jared (Janelle) of Georgia, Seth (Carrie), Sam, Adam Austin and Katie (T.J.) Batty; and 25 nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by grandparents: Cecil (Mike) and Reva Ruppe and Reed and Olen Bodily; aunts; uncles; and cousins.
A viewing will be held Thursday, July 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ashley Valley Funeral Home. A viewing will be held one-hour prior to funeral services at the Uintah Stake Center (4080 S. 2500 E.). The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. The interment will be at the Maeser Fair View Cemetery. Online condolences: www.ashleyvalleyfuneralhome.com.
*Family luncheon after the interment will be held at the chapel located at 3990 South 1500 East
