Clifford Eugene Ranch, 68, of Moab passed away on December 2, 2015, at his home.
Clifford was born on September 10, 1947, in Craig, Colorado, to Augustus (Gus) Ranch and Doris Ireland Ranch. He is the youngest of three children. The family lived in La Sal, Utah. He graduated in 1966 from Monticello High School.
He married the love of his life, Daphen Roean Bastian, on September 16, 1967, in Moab, where they made their home.
He served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, came home and worked as a barber with Cotton in the old Miller’s Shopping Center. He gave up the barber shop and went to work for Mac and Hac, where he learned to drive an 18-wheeler truck hauling uranium ore.
Clifford then went to work for W.H. Burt’s Explosives hauling dynamite; he retired after 25 years.
Clifford loved to collect pistols, rifles and anything that shoots.
His favorite football team was the Denver Broncos. He and his boys went to their first game on November 15, 2015. He was so happy about being able to attend that game even though Denver lost.
Clifford loved to hunt, camp and attend all the family gatherings. He was a gifted storyteller; he always had a smile and loved to tell jokes.
Clifford is survived by his wife of 48 years, Daphen Bastian Ranch of Moab. He is also survived by his three children: sons Jeffery Ranch (Lisa) of Moriarty, New Mexico; and Gary Ranch of Moab; and daughter Kimberly Ranch of Moab.
He is survived by six grandchildren: Robert and Kayla Maestas of New Mexico; and Machelle Ranch, Nathaniel Duran, Noah Ranch and Emmalin Ranch, all of Moab. He is also survived by brother Larry Ranch (Vera) of Denver, Colorado.
Clifford was preceded in death by his parents Augustus (Gus) Ranch and Doris Ireland Ranch, and by his older brother Darrell Ranch.
A viewing was held on December 7, 2015, at Spanish Valley Mortuary. A service was held on December 8 at the LDS 4th North Chapel in Moab. Interment was at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.
A very special thank you to the first responders that serve our Moab community and the Ranch family.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
