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Richard Henry Abelhouzen
Richard Henry Abelhouzen born October 11, 1943, peacefully departed this life on March 1, 2024. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Henry James Abelhouzen and Marjorie Rae Earl Abelhouzen. Richard was the cherished baby brother to Shirley and Joann.
Richard attended McKinley Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High School, where he was Student Body President, and South High School, where he excelled in tennis, basketball, baseball and football, graduating with the class of 1962, where he made lifelong friends. Following graduation, he embarked on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern California mission from 1962-1964. Upon his return home he met the love of his life Carol Ann Dyson, and they were married on March 28, 1968, in the Salt Lake Temple, sealing their union for time and all eternity. Celebrating 57 years of marriage this month, their bond was a testament to enduring love and commitment.
Richard dedicated over 50 years of his life to the collection industry, beginning his career at FMA, Commerce Financial, and eventually joining Larry H. Miller where he forged a close friendship with Larry and shared many memorable moments. Alongside Carol, he ventured into entrepreneurship, owning, and operating multiple successful businesses, including three Taco makers, two collection agencies, North American which they later sold. Their legacy continues with American Management Services, Inc, now thriving into its second generation, marking 27 years of operation this year. Known for his strong work ethic. Richard instilled the values of hard work in his children from a young age, involving them in various ventures, including cleaning banks and office buildings before school. His passion for the collection industry provided a foundation for his sons, shaping their futures in the collection and repossession industries.
Richard found joy in supporting his favorite sports teams, including the Utah Jazz and BYU Cougars, where he held season passes and attended numerous games with his family. Dad was also an avid Racquetball player and could whoop anyone on the court.
Richard enjoyed family vacations to the beaches of California and his favorite destination, Yellowstone National Park (or as dad called it "jelly stone") for Buffalo Barley Soup.
A devout member of the LDS Church, Richard served in various callings and excelled in "church ball", earning accolades at the state level. His profound knowledge of the scriptures made him a trusted source of wisdom for his loved ones.
Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Carol, their children Troy (Mel), Todd (Jen), Tim (Desiree), Tara (Dr. Dan) Hallman, along with special daughters-in-law, Karen Bentley and Chalise Sargent. He leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, as well as a sister Joann (Gary) Wells, nieces, nephews, and cherished in-laws.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley, and grandson Jonah Robert Abelhouzen.
There will be a viewing Friday, March 8, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Spilsbury Mortuary 110 S. Bluff St, St. George, Utah, and a second viewing Saturday morning from 9:00 - 9:45 am at the Mulberry Dr. Chapel prior to the funeral service.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 10:00 am at the LDS Chapel located at 3381 Mulberry Dr. St. George, Utah.
Friends and family who are unable to attend are invited to view the funeral service online by clicking on the link below.
Zoom link:https://zoom.us/j/95240606629?pwd=V1FzMEltRjFvbmVZSk1mY3NBMVBtUT09
Interment will be at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Dr. St. George, Utah, where Richard will be laid to rest beside his grandson Jonah.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dixie Home Hospice and nurses Georgia and Cindy for their compassionate care of dad these past few weeks and acknowledges mom's unwavering love and dedication throughout their 57 years together. Richard's legacy of love, hard work and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.
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Judy Granger (Bell)
I'm really grateful to have connected with Richard and Carol through the years in Cottonwood Heights, in the same ward, and again here in St George living in the same Stake. I've come to admire and love them. Richard is a great man and I am so grateful for his and Carol's friendship over the past few years.
Gordon Shepherd
I met Richard Ablehouzen when we shared a class together at Lincoln junior in the eighth grade. Most of his buddies called him Abe, but for some reason I always called him Richard. He had matured physically a little sooner than most of us. He was a good athlete and, among his adolescent peers, he projected a kind of competitive confidence that translated into leadership ability in the various group sports we played. He had a temper, too, but what I remember most was his loyalty as a friend. It was a loyalty that endured long past our public school years. People’s sense of humor tells you something about who they are, and Richard’s humor was often generous and cheerfully self-deprecating. He liked telling stories about other peoples’ distinctive talents, whom he admired, and was modestly self-confident enough of his own abilities to poke gentle fun at himself. As adults—especially in recent years when Richard’s health was declining—we maintained regular contact through telephone conversations. I would call to check on him and, invariably, I would be the one whose spirits were uplifted by his cheer—by his sense of delight and laughter in response to his own stories. Richard had a big heart and a talent for making people feel welcome and at ease around him. He was beloved by his family and children and will be missed by everyone. Rest in peace, old friend.
Nancy Pratt (Moss)
Richard was one of my early childhood friends, and was one of my first crushes. He was tall and handsome and fun to be around, and our neighborhood group was so much fun. Richard always had something to add to any conversation, and I have missed that close neighborhood connection, with so many of our group already having passed. My husband and I moved back to Utah (St, George) almost two years ago after living out of Utah for almost 50 years, and after being advised that Richard and Judy lived here too, I tried to find them, but St George is not a small town anymore, but if you are not in the same ward or stake, it is hard to find someone. I am so sorry I did not make that connection. The obituary was so good and touching and helped to understand what a great life Richard had and the success he experienced. My heart goes out to his family and many friends.