Rodney Ray Pitcher

Rodney Ray Pitcher returned to his Heavenly Father and into the arms of his oldest son Bradley on September 9, 2022. Rodney was born on December 31, 1949, to Weldon “Whitey” and L. Merlynn Pitcher of Smithfield, Utah. His mother always told him he was the best New Year’s gift. He liked to tell people that he was the last of the 49ers. Rodney was raised as the oldest of six children and always loved to be with his siblings. He would do his sisters’ hair growing up, which was great training for the four daughters he would later have. He was a master teaser and never missed an opportunity to do so. He spent a lot of time in the garden or working on the farm. He learned a love of gardening from his father and a love of cooking and flowers from his mother. Rodney met the love of his life, Carol Rae Golding, at a wedding and was married on February 9, 1973, in the Logan, Utah temple. Together, they welcomed six children into their family, two sons and four daughters. They began their family in Cache Valley and later moved to Provo for a work opportunity. He worked most of his life at Metz Baking Company (SaraLee) as a delivery driver. His favorite job was his last one, where he served in the laundry room at the Provo City Center Temple. Rodney had many talents and hobbies, which included gardening, dancing, singing, knitting, and theatre arts. His favorite thing to do is share his talents and hobbies with his children and grandchildren, who were at the top of his list of things he loved most. Rodney was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Over the years, he held many callings. He raised his children with a love of the savior. Rodney was preceded in death by his son Bradley Duane, his mother and father, brother Bradley, mother and father-in-law, and many other family members. He is survived by his loving wife Carol Pitcher, son Jared Pitcher, daughters CaraDee (Danny) Bird, Autumn (Nathan) Huffaker, Jessica (Robert) Curtis, and Mackenzie (Spencer) Pranger. His fourteen grandchildren Melaya, Cameron, KayLee, Spencer, Jaxon, Jadan, Rylee, Brooklynn, Savanna, Olya, Colton, Logan, Adilynn, and Rodney “Alex.” His siblings Susan (Richard) Saltern, LynnAnn (Gary) Mitchell, Kathy Pitcher, Jeff (Kim) Pitcher, and Brenda (Keven) Cook. His in-laws Allen (Rosie) Golding, Stephen (Gayle) Golding, Marion (Cindy) Golding, and Kevin (Calleen) Golding. Along with many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Carol and the family would like to express a special thanks to Rocky Mountain Hospice for the love and care they provided to Rodney in his last days. A viewing will be held in Provo, Utah, on Friday, September 16, 2022, from 5 - 7 pm at LDS Chapel at 1560 South 1100 West, Provo, Utah 84601. A viewing will be held in Smithfield, Utah, on Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 10 – 11:30 am at 660 West 200 north. In addition, a graveside service will be held at the Smithfield cemetery on September 17 at 1 pm. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs to the service.

Rodney Ray Pitcher

December 31, 1949 - September 9, 2022