Robert Franklin Ringer Obituary (1930

Robert Franklin Ringer was born on November 8, 1930 in his grandparent’s home in Rockwood, a small town in the coal country of Western Pennsylvania. His family moved often during his early years as his father sought jobs during the depression, before the economic boom brought on by World War II provided some stability. By the time Bob graduated from high school, the economic boom was over and jobs were again scarce in the Rockwood area. He and his uncle decided that they would join the Navy to get out of “the hills” and, with his parent’s permission, at seventeen he enlisted and was assigned to the submarine program. After basic training and several years of service on the submarine Piper, Bob was chosen to be part of the Navy’s new nuclear program and sent to train at the nuclear site in Idaho. Several weeks after moving to Idaho he met Joyce Eaton on a blind date. Joyce was from the small farming town of Firthnand was working in Idaho Falls. After a whirlwind courtship of two months, they decided to marry and informed Joyce’s parents that they were eloping to Elko, Nevada. They were married on Sunday, May 17, 1953 and spent a one day honeymoon in Salt Lake City before returning to the training site where Bob had a midnight shift. A year later their first child was born and Bob and Joyce would eventually have five children: Michael, Peggy, Richard, Jeff and Greg. In 1954 Bob, Joyce and Michael moved to New London, Connecticut for assignment on the Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear powered submarine. The next twelve years were spent on naval bases on the East Coast, where Bob continued to serve with distinction on the Nautilus, rising through the ranks and eventually assuming the duties of Chief of the Boat. During his years on the Nautilus, Bob was part of a number of historic operations which gave him a tremendous source of quiet pride for the rest of his life. In 1966, Bob left his service on the Nautilus and became the Chief Recruiter for the Navy in Kansas City, Missouri. After his tour of duty was up, Bob decided to retire from the Navy and moved the family to Boulder, Colorado to begin a new career at the Rocky Flats plant operated by Dow Chemical. Boulder became a cherished home for the family and they developed a deep connection with the area. Despite their love for Colorado and its sports teams, Bob and Joyce decided to move to Utah in 2001 to be closer to their youngest grandchildren, settling in a home with a beautiful view of Mt. Timpanogos. Their retirement years in Utah revolved around grandkids and their various activities. After being a support for Joyce’s faith for many years, Bob decided to join the LDS Church just short of his 75th birthday in 2005. Like everything else he did, he was loyal and committed to his decision. Bob’s life was one of quiet devotion to his family, to his work and to those values he held most dear. After a long struggle with cancer, he passed away on the morning of March 15, 2018 at his home with his wife Joyce at his side. Funeral services for Bob will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday March 20, 2018 at the Cascade 5th Ward Chapel, 1051 East 200 North, Orem, Utah. Friends may visit from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com.