1950 ~ 2026
Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary
2350 E 1300 S Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108Friday Jan 16, 2026: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Stallion Way Ward
5369 North Stallion Way, Stansbury Park, Utah 84074Saturday Jan 17, 2026: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Stallion Way Ward Chapel
5369 North Stallion Way, Stansbury Park, Utah 84074Saturday Jan 17, 2026: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery
2350 E 1300 S Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108Saturday Jan 17, 2026: 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Steven H. Rich Sr. passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026 surrounded by songs and loved ones at St. Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born on April 21, 1950 to John Perry Rich Sr and Effie Dean Bowman Rich. Steve loved his siblings, parents, grandparents, and cousins. He had what he called “dual citizenship”: a regimented and rules based school year in Salt Lake City and wild summers cowboying on the Paria Plateau, adventuring through the Kaibab Forest, and working at Jacob Lake Inn with his siblings and cousins near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. His artistic talents started early and he learned to draw in great detail. Steve loved the outdoors and sports, and learned at age 12, after his heart stopped while running in gym class, that “nothing normal ever happens to me.” Steve attended East High School where he was a State Champion wrestler and lettered in the shot put and football. He also drew cartoons for the Leopard, and was student body Vice President his senior year with Rick Evans. He made many lifelong friends (too many to list) in school and formed a gospel study group his junior year that has continued to this day. Steve met his dear wife, Melinda, when they were in high school and their courtship was full of laughter and fun.
Steve served an LDS mission in the London England East Mission. He had a sincere love for those he taught and his conviction in the truth of the Gospel brought positive change to their lives. He left England with a deep desire to do what’s right and set a good example for others. After his mission, he and Melinda began dating again, and they were married on January 17, 1973 in the Salt Lake Temple. Steve took business and art classes at the University of Utah before joining the family business at Jacob Lake Inn. Steve helped to build the Inn’s reputation for delicious food with classic recipes like Kaibab Jagersnitzel and the Grand Bull among others. He loved working with his siblings to teach employees great life skills and felt “if you are not having fun, you’re not doing it right.” He also continued his love of art by making bronze sculptures with his brother in law, Walt, and sketching wildlife. While working at Jacob Lake, he also deepened his love for ranching. This led to many treasured memories with his kids and nieces and nephews branding cattle, hunting rabbits, fixing fences, and doing the round-up.
Steve was a beloved father, and he created many adventures with his children. Each night he would imagine stories to tell with characters like Zippity Zoomer, Snakey, the Old Prospector, Snabs, Bucko the Dragon, and Bubby Magic. He also shared many of these stories with his nieces and nephews. Family trips were full of fishing at Panguitch Lake, Asee Creek, pizza and rootbeer at the Downstream Deli in Kanab, or spring breaks exploring the beautiful Vermillion Cliffs with those he loved. Steve loved stories and introduced his children to classics with audiobooks like Treasure Island, The Hobbit, The Lord Of the Rings or playing Dungeons & Dragons in the car with him as the Dungeon Master as he drove between Jacob Lake to Salt Lake CIty. He supported his children at games, concerts, cooked “minner,” and took the time to help them learn and grow individually. He felt great pride in their accomplishments, intelligence, and kindness.
Steve’s love of ranching and creating landscapes that were alive led him into the sphere of Holistic Resource Management. He loved how managing animals to produce healthy, biodiverse landscapes brought healing to the land and the communities that surrounded it. This confirmed gospel principles and he used these land insights to inform his faith. When asked why he stopped pursuing art and moved into ranch consulting, he said it left like he was still creating, just working on a much larger and more meaningful level. Steve and his ragtag group of grass loving mavericks spread principles across the West that have gone mainstream and are known as Regenerative Agriculture. Many lives were indelibly marked by being in relationship with Steve and his friends and he took immense pride in seeing their work finally recognized. Millions of acres of land were improved, streams restored, watersheds stabilized, and grasslands brought back to thriving. His heart condition progressed at this time and he had to step away from his beloved Jacob Lake Inn. As his consulting practice grew, he took his Lincoln Town Car to places it was never intended to go. His growing reputation led to many opportunities to write heavily researched scientific articles in Range magazine designed to rebut prevailing theories on range management. He worked with senators and congressmen and testified before government committees to push for legislative changes and influence policy toward regenerative principles in Washington D.C. He was always proud that the LDS church ranching system adopted regenerative principles. Because he saw no divide between Holistic management, art, and religion, he hosted a yearly seminar at the Deseret Ranch with his friend, Adrian Pulfer and the BYU graphic design program about connections between the three.
As his heart failure progressed physical health declined, he invested mental energy into the connectedness of all things. Holistic Management taught him to see connections between the plants, animals, earth, water, soil, and the human community around them. He took that skill and found deep insightful connections between gospel principles, range management, interpersonal interactions, art, science, and the universe at large. Once he had discovered something, it was impossible to stop him from sharing it with you. This carried over into his church service. He was known as an excellent teacher of gospel doctrine, he led insightful discussions as High Priest Group Leader, and even got 16 year olds to pay attention and engage in his lessons. He always approached teaching with creativity and humor.
He loved his grandchildren. He took joy in drawing pictures for them, and was happily at every football and basketball game, soccer tournament, or a tennis match cheering them on. He went to gymnastics practice, piano recitals, dance performances and other types of events. He “Grandpa Bragged” on every one of his grandchildren on social media. He loved doing Jedi exercises, telling stories about Scary Larry and his mean sister Edna, Zippity Zoomer, Star Wars adventures, and others. He went to every baptism and meaningful moment that he could attend. Being a Grandpa was one of the great joys of his life.
Over the years, Steve was moved to write poetry that was much inspired by Pam Ayres, Shel Silverstein and the like. He wrote a christmas poem with his sister Mary Lynne and many other poems for his children’s missions and nieces and nephews over the years. Especially of note is the poem that he wrote about the Savior called “His Beautiful Son” that he passed out to many people with his pancake batter and Mom’s mint brownies at Christmas time. An accompaniment was written for the poem and now it is a song.
Steve experienced much medical drama which he would term adversity due to his progressive heart failure and the falls and trauma from the stroke which occurred in 2008. The stroke caused him immense hardship as he was forced to relearn math which he desperately needed to continue his consulting jobs and write the scientific articles for Range magazine. He had a fall in May of 2020 which dramatically changed his life causing semi-paralysis and taking away his ability to walk. Steve rallied and through the efforts of the nurses and therapists at Rocky Mountain Care Center and Melinda’s love and care he was able to become mobile and experience his great joys again: family, friends, food, and car trips with Melinda. She dedicated the past five and a half years of her life to making sure Steve was active, seen, present and involved in the lives of his family and friends. Nobody in his care center got broken out of “hospital jail” more than he did. We are so grateful for those special care givers who lovingly helped to give us those extra years.
On December 30, 2025, Steve and Melinda were in a car accident where Steve sustained many major injuries. Ultimately, he made the decision to go on hospice. His life ended peacefully surrounded by the songs of a grateful family filled with love and peace for his life and the choices that he made. He showed what it is to love and create life and persevere to the end.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents John P. Rich Sr and Effie Dean Bowman Rich and brother, John P Rich Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Melinda Snow Rich; his children Steven H. Rich Jr. (Melissa), Burke M. Rich (Liz), Benjamin J. Rich (Susan), Melinda R. Marshall (Mikel) and Robert L. Rich (Natalya); his grandchildren, Kate, Jacob, Luke, Claire, John, Daniel, MaryJane, Ellen, Sarah Kate, Parker, Gwyneth and Ella Rose; his siblings Bonnie Howard, Kristi Rich, Nina (Grant) Taylor, Christopher (Mary Frances) Rich, Mary Lynne (Bryan) Jensen and Matt (Shayne) Rich. He is also survived by wonderful in-laws as well as beloved nieces and nephews, and many dear friends and ward members.
There will be a viewing in Salt Lake on Friday, January 16, evening from 6-8pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 E 1300 S in Salt Lake City, UT). The funeral will be at his ward in Stansbury Park (5369 N Stallion Way) on Saturday, January 17, at 11:00am. There will be a viewing from 9:30am-10:30am. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn at 3pm.
So sorry sister Rich. My phone has been acting up and was waiting for another one and just seeing this now. I am so sorry for you and your family. I will miss seeing him at the Temple when you guys come in to serve, weekly. I will miss him telling me: "you know, they have all the nicest people here." Please express our condolence to your family.
This is your African friend from Yale ward to Tooele.
I have such fond memories of Steve and Melinda and their entire family during our time in the Yale II Ward. Steve was a wonderful example of charity, the greatest of all gifts. He was an absolute joy to listen to and learn from. His loving care of and connection with Brian, especially during the time of the Pingree's mission, was nothing short of amazing. He was also, as the obituary touched on, a dedicated High Priest group leader during our time there. Gail and I will always love your family.
I am sad to hear of Steve’s passing. Don and I loved and enjoyed Steve and Melinda. My prayers are with you and your family. Love, Betty
Steve, we love you and miss you. Thank you for prompting pondering and plumbing spiritual depths, giving us humor and insight and asking hard and meaningful questions as well as helping us find just as meaningful answers. You are truly a wonderful soul. Melinda, we love you and we pray for you and for your children, whom we love as well. We wish you comfort and peace from the Spirit and from the knowledge that the Savior has made it possible for you and all of us to enjoy the company of Steve again at some point.
We are so sorry to hear about Steve. We send all of our love and prayers to your family.
I remember one of the stories he told me. He was on a date with a girl on the Kaibab and for some reason, decided to head down, but not on a road, in his vehicle. He had to take out his little pocket knife saw, and cut down trees that were in the way so they could get down.
I was one of many caregivers that took care of Steven when he was at his home. It was an honor to take care of him. He was funny and I learned so much from him. You are missed.
My life will be forever blessed to have known Steve Rich. As with all the kids in the neighborhood, we grew up bouncing from house to house. In the Rich home, there was always an abundance of love, wisdom, good humor, and amazing food. That light flowed freely to scouts, Sunday school lessons, home teaching visits, and countless other wonderful memories. I never had a superficial conversation with Steve Rich. Two highlights stand out to me: As young kids, Steve would teach us advanced and complex concepts with clarity. He knew kids could learn anything if taught well. (He taught me the principle of synergy probably in primary.) Second, his calm demeanor and good humor were unflappable. What seemed like a difficult situation to me often turned into a delightful adventure with him. He will be missed.
Sending love and prayers to the family of Steve. I first met Steve when in the mission field. We served in several of the same districts. He has always been such a great example to me of kindness and integrity. May the Lord continue to bless all of you!
Oh Steve,
This makes my heart so sad, it was a pleasure to care for you and always hear about your grandchildren and how special they are to you, and how loving and caring ur amazing wife was and always has been, with a heavy heart may you rest in peace you my friend will be missed by many!
Keep that gum in ur mouth buddy... RIP Steven
Uncle Steve,
You were a rare and remarkable soul, one of the greatest we have ever been blessed to know. You and Aunt Melinda wrapped us in unconditional love when our hearts needed it most, and that kindness has echoed through our lives ever since. Your spirit, along with the countless shotgun adventures at Jacob Lake, shaped our childhood and taught us to live boldly, joyfully, and authentically. You showed us what love truly is and what it means.
Thank you for welcoming us into your chosen family.
We’ll meet you again on the far side of the Navajo Bridge with fry bread in hand. May you walk with beauty all around. Hágoónee’.
With all our love,
your forever WaaHoo crew,
Katt & Penelope Jim
Jennifer & Steve Samuelu & Family
Melinda,
Sending deepest sympathy in the passing of your husband Steven. So grateful you were able to help and assist him during his health challenges. I would have loved to get to know him. Sending my prayers and love to you and your family.
Suzanne Glade Mendenhall
Fellow Classmates,
Like all of you I‘m sure, I am deeply saddened by Steve’s passing. But I also am feeling immense gratitude for his unwavering friendship and support during our East High years. For someone with such a sharp even cynical wit, he never failed to show real compassion and caring - and most personally his commitment as a friend during a turbulent period for me. I remember warmly the endless hours we spent playing basketball in his driveway, shooting pool in his basement, going to movie nights at the ward/stake house, and just goofing around and occasionally causing mischief. And our visits to the North Rim and the family ranch have stayed with me as if just last week. He was a seriously talented artist and writer with a Twain-like sense of humor. But he was also truly grounded and authentic, and was always a kindred spirit who made me feel worthy to be his friend. He has and will always travel with me in my heart. May you rest in peace, Steve, and partake of all the joys in heaven.
Melinda, We are shocked and saddened to hear of your news about Steve. He is a giant of man to me in so many ways. Because of him I am a changed man. As a brand new very green missionary he took me under his wing and mentored me with the spirit of the Holy Ghost. It was in West Norwood with Elder Rich where I gained my testimony. Even though all of us left behind are sad and missing him.....I know that he is now free and happy to be home with loved ones on the other side. We celebrate his life here.
God Bless. Paul Taggart
No one casts a bigger shadow than my friend Steve Rich. He was able to weave his true blue cowboy philosophy into each part of his life. I was with Steve in that seventh grade gym class in 1972 when his heart stopped. I didn't see Steve fall, but I felt it. The whole gym floor shook when Steve hit the hardwood. That event truly set the precedent for a unique and wonderful life. I am sure there is a little more ruckus than the heavenly hosts are used to now that Steve is up there riding the heavens and corralling stars.
Dear Melinda and family, I love Steve Rich. Although I am not a poet, we have a lot in common: Southern Utah; Panguitch Lake; land; cattle; Harvard/Yale neighborhood; Church; teaching; love of and interactiion with people; etc. Steve is one whom I want to see and with whom I want to interact on the other side of the veil, should I be fortunate enough to be where he is. You, Melinda, are his equal, perhaps even his superequal. I pray for him. I pray for you. And Joy and I pray your family and the continuatin thereof throughout eternity.
Melinda and Family,
We last visited with Steve at the Costco on 18th South and 300 West, when we had all stopped shopping to have a hot dog and drink at the Food Court there.
Steve and Michael were comparing recent hospitalizations, and the swollen ankles which the Jacob Lake elevation gave both of them!
We also agreed that our open-heart surgeries took about a year of recovery time. We were both also grateful for the open-heart surgery culture which President Russell M. Nelson had established for our benefit in the Salt Lake Valley! We both felt certain that neither of us would be alive then if not for the former next-door neighbor of the John and Effie Dean family, Dr. Russell M. Nelson!
Melinda, during the years my parents, George and Dorothy, worked with you at Jacob Lake Lodge, they regularly told us you and Matt were the friendliest of all the family members there!
The advancing years have made driving for me in Salt Lake less of a pleasure and more of a chore!
If we can make it there, we will come for tonight's viewing at 2350 East 1300 South, Larkin Sunset Lawn, but our hearts will be with you and your family for the funeral service in Stansbury Park. We love Steve, you, and your family, and thank you particularly and personally for the many kindnesses you showed to Mom and Dad.
We have prayed, and will continue to pray, that Heavenly Father and the Savior's choicest blessings of comforting care and help will always be yours.
Please tell us if we can be of help to you and your family.
Michael & Kay Rich and Family
Melinda, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine what you and your family are going through. We love you so much and pray the Lord will bless you and your family with the Peace and Comfort only he can give. Lots of hugs!! ❤️🙏❤️🙏
It was my honor to get to know Steven in the two years that we were neighbors at Rocky Mountain. I would watch Steve lean back in his chair thinking he was going to tip over. Steve and his wife Melinda were there for me when I lost my husband. I will be forever grateful for his friendship. Oh we are calling the tip in the chair (Steve’s position)
Gordon and I were members of the Salt Lake Veteran Branch when Steven and Melinda were there. Gordon was a counselor to Lyman King and Steven was a very good teacher. We always wanted to listen to him. Their friendship has always been special to us.
Love,
Naoma Scheffner
My Dear Melinda
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband and my friend Steven Rich. The last time we met I was sure that you did not know of all the good time we had together. Of course you and I go way back to Bonneville Elementary but Steve and I first really met on the wrestling mats at East. He was the giant of a wrestler while I was the small one at 115lbs. We wrestled in the State tournament together under Coach Hales. It was great fun. But our best times together were in the mission field. We served under President Belnap and I have unforgettable memories of those days. I see in some of your pictures the beautiful brass rubbings we made in Essex and Sussex, England. Steve will never be forgotten by any of us who knew him. And neither will you be forgotten. We love you both and thankfully because of our older Brother, Jesus Christ, we will be together in the eternities. May God be with you and your family.
Melinda and family, It saddens me to hear of the loss of your husband and father Steve. He truly made a big difference in his sphere of influence, left a great legacy, and will be greatly missed. I am grateful for the time in high school that I had the opportunity to know him. May God bless you with the comfort, love, and peace that only comes from Jesus Christ.
Dear Melinda and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. You all been in our thoughts, memories, and prayers as we grieve over the loss of Steve.
Steve was a wonderful, kind hearted, gentle soul who had a powerful influence over our lives. Steve always greeted us as if we were his very best friends in the world. I know he always greeted people that way, and it makes people feel special. I know it did that for us. We loved the stories, his advice, and his crazy, amazing way of looking at the world. Always he made us think and consider new ways of looking at things. We will miss him in so many different ways. He was our friend, our consultant, and my (Kimberley’s) fellow HRM degree student.
We always admired his strong and loving relationship with his family and friends.
We will miss seeing him at Jacob Lake and miss the opportunity to drive around the Ranch and look at the changes he was able to make.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love and blessings,
Kimberley Knight
Stefan Wolf and the Date Creek Ranch family