Rux McCray Plott

Rux passed away on May 10th, 2023, in Sandy Utah at the age of 93. He lived a long full life having come into the world on April 17th, 1930, in Charlottesville Virginia. Rux is survived by his wife and soulmate Ruth Hansen Plott, children, "the eight boys", Mike Plott, Matt Plott, Aaron Plott, Adam Plott, Troy Carnesecca, Todd Gleave, Darren Rowley, Jason Rowley, and many grandchildren.

Rux lived in many places during his lifetime, including serving in the military after World War II in the Philippines and Japan. Shortly after being born they moved to Carthage, New York. Rux says of this time, “mother would take my brother Don and I over to a grassy meadow near our home…where she would dangle her favorite opal over my bassinet. I think I know why I have a weakness for opal”.

At the age of 14 Rux developed the desire to fly airplanes. He learned everything he could about flying. This led him to enlisting in the Army Air Corp, and eventually served in post war Manila, Philippines and Nagoya Japan. Rux describes one experience, “I accidentally grabbed the uniform jacket of a Major as I walked out of the office to deliver some paperwork. Everyone gave me strange looks and gave me a lot of room. Many said, ‘Yes sir’ to me. I was confused why. I glanced down at my jacket and realized I was wearing the Majors jacket. Impersonating an officer is a court martial offence, but when I confessed to the Major, the Major laughed and said, ‘They must have thought you were the youngest Major in the entire Fifth Air Force’. I was relieved I didn’t get court martialed”!

After serving in the Air Corp, Rux began his journey of learning and education. He attended Purdue University in Chicago Illinois. Eventually he grew tired of the cold winters and, he said, “went to Arizona with my brand new 1956 Chevy Bell Aire 4 door sedan. From cold Illinois to Arizona. It was like an oven…about 110 in the shade”. He enrolled in Arizona State University where he met a lifelong friend “Woody”. Rux and Woody flew their little Cessna airplanes all over the southwest, including adventures in Mexico.

Rux became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1958 after having an incredible spiritual experience, “Late at night while driving with a friend, I was explaining some of the things about the church that I was struggling with. As I spoke, I felt the things I was talking about were true. I noticed the inside of the car was getting very light, it was even getting light outside the car. I asked my friend where that light was coming from. He said, ‘what light’? I realized I was the only one seeing the light. I felt a burning in my heart and a peace I had never before experienced”. After joining the church he was enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge and spiritual experiences to everyone. He was a spiritual influence on many people.

After receiving degrees in Psychology and Industrial Education, Rux began teaching classes at what would eventually become Utah Valley University. Over 30 years Rux taught math, architecture, and other drafting classes, but his most influential class he taught were his psychology classes. Rux was a significant influence on a lot of people over the years. He had a unique way of teaching. He would always bring humor into everything he taught. He enjoyed laughing and making people laugh. His calm empathetic voice made you feel comfortable talking to him about all of life’s troubles. He always made you feel you could achieve great things.

Over time Rux started dating Ruth Hansen. Of Ruth he said, “I finally found my soulmate”! R&R became one in marriage in 1988. It was the beginning of 35 years together. A good and happy marriage. Many people will say Ruth and Rux built a home filled with a lot of love. With that union they brought together “The Eight Boys”. They will tell you they don’t know who’s boy is who’s. Ruth and Rux have always been supportive and loving of all the boys and their spouses, and the many grandchildren. The Ruth and Rux legacy is that they have created a wonderful unified family, and worked to served their Lord and Savior, including a mission to Manila, Philippines in 2003 for 18 months.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 16th at 2:00 PM with a viewing from 12:30 to 1:45 PM, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.), Sandy, UT. To view previously held services please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/LcNF7LmdOGFtoWBOe5sCHkx5ZMBtXqoWng_Ep-cGYBMcTbmZiUyUBYY6BZWQ-0GU.ACwyTLLEYnvEZjpb?startTime=1684266113000