Judd Larry Ravsten

Judd Larry Ravsten of Malad passed away on May 8 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born on September 12, 1932, to Leah Goody and Lester Ravsten of Clarkston, Utah. He was the second of five sons born to this union.
As a young man, Judd loved to play baseball and was really good at it. This may have been when he developed his love of sports. He was a strong supporter of the girls’ and boys’ Bear River Bears football, basketball, volleyball and baseball teams; the Rebels baseball team and the girls’ and boys’ Malad High School Dragons football, basketball, volleyball and baseball teams. He was also a faithful fan of the Utah Jazz. Judd loved to play golf. He played this sport religiously until his health started to decline in later life. One of his favorite trips was with his brother-in-law, Gordon Williams when they attended the “Masters” in Augusta, Georgia. He often said he would love to go again. Judd and his brothers loved to hunt and fish. He and his brothers were avid fishermen. This was one of the many things they would all do together. There weren’t very many fishing holes that they hadn’t tried. This was a source of many family camping trips and get-togethers.
Judd graduated from North Cache High School in Logan, Utah. Judd had a great love for his country and upon graduation, he joined the Air Force. He enlisted in January of 1952 and served his country for 20 years. He served in Germany, the Philippines, Japan, Florida, Okinawa, and Arkansas and retired as an SSGT.
Maretta (Beeper) Larsen and Judd were married and were the parents of four children: Larry Alan, Linda LeAnn, Clara Robin and Michelle Barbara. The family traveled and lived in several countries during Judd’s service in the Air Force.
Upon his retirement from the Air Force, Judd was employed at Thiokol Chemical Corporation, now known as ATK Launch Systems. He retired after 20 years of service. He enjoyed his work and made many lasting friendships.
Judd’s greatest love was his family. His four children blessed him with 16 grandchildren and 23 1/2 great-grandchildren. Judd and Beeper later divorced but remained friends. Judd met Helen Ward on a blind date and they were married on December 9, 1994, in the Logan, Temple. Judd’s family became Helen’s family and her greatest joy. Judd’s posterity has increased to 55 and counting.
Helen and Judd’s travels included Florida, New York, England and Wales and a cruise to the Caribbean. They shared these trips with Helen’s sister and her husband, Joan and Gordon. They also made a trip to pick up a school bus in Macon, Georgia, making stops in Nauvoo, Illinois, Branson, Missouri and a shopping trip to Cabela’s. In Judd’s opinion, you could never have enough “fish stuff”. His trip to Lake Powell with family and friends was also another fun trip. Helen even had him attending concerts and plays in Salt Lake with an occasional Jazz game thrown in. Judd was also a great source of help to Helen’s mother during her declining health. He loved her very much. Judd had a big heart and loved to help people whenever he could.
Judd was a member of the Oneida County Search and Rescue and served as a past Commander. He also served as 2nd Vice Commander in the American Legion. He enjoyed his service and association with the men and women in these organizations.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a strong testimony of his Savior and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Judd was an active member of the Malad 6th Ward. He loved to serve and held callings in the Primary, High Priests and in the Sunday School Presidency. He was also a Home Teacher and enjoyed visiting with his families. He and his wife, Helen served as Stake Missionaries when they resided in Clarkston, Utah.
Judd is survived by his wife, Helen of Malad; three daughters: Linda LeAnn (Craig) Hawkes of Howell, Utah, Clara Robin (Dean) Stott of Malad and Michelle (Shawn) Lish of Tremonton, Utah; four brothers: Scott (LaReeda) Ravsten, Tip (Lola) Ravsten and Danny (Carol) Ravsten of Tremonton, Utah and Joe (Kathy) Ravsten of Clarkston, Utah. He is also survived by Helen’s brothers and sister: Owen (Jane Ann) Ward, Joan (Gordon) Williams of Malad and Dale (Martha) Ward of Brigham City, Utah. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and great friends that he considered family. He loved the Young Men and Young Women in the 6th Ward.
He is preceded in death by his son, Larry Alan Ravsten, one grandson, Trenton John Walker (Ravsten) and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, May 14 at the Malad Stake Center, 1250 N. 1100 W., in Malad City. Friends may call and visit with the family at the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 N., Malad City, Idaho from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 13 and at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 14. Interment will be at the Malad City Cemetery with military rites by the American Legion, Ernest W. Jones Post 65. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Primary Children’s Hospital or to Ward and Stake Missionary funds.