Herbert Ralph Mattingly

Herbert Ralph Mattingly

June 19, 1929 - June 17, 2026

Herbert Ralph Mattingly, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 17, 2026, just two days shy of his 97th birthday.

Ralph was born on June 19, 1929, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Jasper R. Mattingly and Lillian Bishop Mattingly. He lived a life marked by faith, service, hard work, and devotion to family.

He was sealed for time and all eternity to Afton Lucille Phister in the Salt Lake Temple. Afton preceded him in death in 1991 after a courageous battle with cancer. In 1992, Ralph married Donna Elaine Genzer, and they were later sealed in the Jordan River Temple. Together, they built a loving home centered on faith and family. Between their families they were blessed with many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Currently, their posterity exceeds over 150 and counting.

Ralph proudly served his country in both the Navy Reserve and the United States Army. Throughout his life he held a variety of occupations before eventually becoming a successful business owner. He also graduated from LDS Business College, where he further developed the skills and determination that would serve him throughout his life.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ralph devoted countless hours to church service. He served in many callings over the years and found great joy in temple and missionary work. He and Afton served together in the Jordan River Temple for two years, and later Ralph and Donna faithfully served there for twenty-two years. In 1992, Ralph and Donna served a full-time mission in South Carolina. Upon their return they were called to serve a stake mission for 5 years. Later they served together in the Family History Library at the Point of the Mountain prison facility.

Family history work was one of Ralph's greatest passions. He spent countless hours researching and preserving family records and helping others connect with their ancestors. Before age limited his mobility, he loved taking his family on annual vacations and creating cherished memories together.

Ralph enjoyed many hobbies and talents. He was an avid swimmer who amazed family members with his ability to swim underwater for remarkable lengths of time. He loved playing with his children, often standing on his head and challenging them to see who could do it the longest-he always seemed to win. Having completed the Atlas Course in his younger years, Ralph maintained exceptional strength and enjoyed proving it through arm-wrestling challenges, where he was rarely defeated.

He was also an enthusiastic chess player and card player whose strategic mind made him a formidable opponent. Whether playing chess, cards, or engaging in friendly competition, Ralph delighted in the challenge and often came out on top.

Ralph loved movies and continued enjoying them throughout his later years, especially when health limitations prevented him from participating in other activities. He particularly enjoyed watching movies on his computer, which became one of his favorite companions. He also loved sharing humor and laughter, frequently sending jokes through email to family and friends.

A gifted writer, Ralph authored a novel and several other books. He loved to strum Beautiful Brown Eyes on his mandolin while singing along. He possessed a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a lifelong love of learning and storytelling.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Elaine Mattingly, and five of his seven children: Coleen Bay (David), Melody Mattingly, Lori Mattingly, Shawn Mattingly (Kelly), and Shane Mattingly (Debbie). He was preceded in death by his first wife, Afton Lucille Phister Mattingly; his son, Evan Mattingly; and his daughter, Debbie Mattingly Childrey.

Ralph leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, strength, laughter, and unwavering love for his family. His example will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in the knowledge that families are eternal and that he has returned home to loved ones who preceded him.

Until we meet again, we celebrate a life well lived and a man well loved.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the VA staff who offered compassionate care, kindness and comfort as Ralph's health declined.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road in Taylorsville, Utah.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS meetinghouse located at 1409 W Shields Lane (9800 South) in South Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the Monday service from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.