Kenneth Ralph Sears

Kenneth Ralph Sears passed away surrounded by family on the evening of November 18, 2024. He was the first born to Ralph Hintze Sears and Virginia Annie Buckway Sears on August 11, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ken grew up in Millcreek with his four siblings where he attended Olympus High School. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the Army where he honorably served his country including a deployment in Japan.

After returning home, he met Mary Annette Aiken while making a bread delivery to the Salt Lake Donut Shop where she was working at the time. Ken and Annette were married on November 3, 1962, at the home of his grandfather, George Buckway. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 15, 1965. Over the next few years, Ken and Annette would grow their family with four wonderful children. Beginning in 1965, Ken proudly worked delivering milk for Hi-Land Dairy/Cream o’Weber. Over the next 30 years, he would deliver milk across Salt Lake and Davis counties until he retired in 1995. After retiring, the remainder of his life was spent telling his kids and grandkids stories of the many places he had had the opportunity to deliver milk. For years, most schools, restaurants, and even stores would not be passed without hearing “I delivered milk there.”

After moving to Sandy in 1969, Ken volunteered to play Santa Claus for his church congregation, an event he took very seriously. This quickly became a second profession, as Ken found many opportunities within his community to bring smiles and joy to hundreds of children as Santa Claus, spanning from family events to flying in a helicopter for local malls. This role would span more than 50 years, lovingly earning him the title of Grandpa Santa.

Family was always the most important thing to Ken and he worked hard to make sure his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids knew he loved them. From football games to church talks to special events, everyone always knew that Ken would be there and he would likely be the first to arrive.

Throughout his life, Ken thrived on spending time in the mountains. He often spent his summers camping and fishing with Annette, their kids, and later their grandkids. Though Ken loved any time he was outdoors, Fairview Canyon always held a special place for him. Between scenic drives, quiet lakes, and s'mores, Ken found many opportunities to share his love for nature with his family.

As a strong member of the Church of Jesus Christ, Ken loved to spend time serving in his callings and visiting with the other members of his congregation. He truly enjoyed working in the temple, loving the people that he served with and the opportunity to help bring the gospel to so many. Ken loved to serve others and never hesitated to help someone in need, whether that was by watching kids or lending a car to a neighbor.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Annette; his mother and father; and his twin siblings, Flora Lee and Lynn Lee. He is survived by his brother Edwin (Sherrie) Sears, and sisters Marlene (Dennis) Seal, Char (Ed) Bills, Marsha (Ray) Anderson and his four children and their families: Ken (Christine) Ralph Sears, Jr., Verene (Larry) Ann Sears Froisland, Wayne (Juleen) Ross Sears, and Jeanine (Ron) Thurman, 15 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Eagle Mountain Utah Porter’s Crossing Stake Center, 7250 North Porters Crossing Parkway, Eagle Mountain, Utah. A viewing for family and friends will be held Friday, November 29, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Porter’s Crossing Chapel. There will also be a viewing from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service.