Stephen Richard Ames

Stephen Richard Ames, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the age of 86, at his home in Centerville, Utah.
    Steve was born on June 10, 1936, in Logan, Utah to Marion and Gladys Ames. He was born the fourth of five children. He and his sister and three brothers grew up in Logan, where Steve attended local schools and graduated from Logan High School. Following graduation, Steve moved to southern California where he attended community college and learned the offset printing trade.
    After a few years in California, Steve returned to Utah where he secured employment in the printing department at the Utah State Department of Transportation in the State Office building on Capitol Hill. While working there, he met Sonya Buttars, who was working for the Utah Water and Power Board, located in the State Capitol building. It was love at first sight for Steve, and he was persistent. They married on June 16, 1967 in Weston, Idaho, Sonya's home town. They were later sealed in the Logan Temple on February 8, 1972. They bought a home in Centerville, two years after they married. They moved in as newlyweds with no children, but in time, had four children, Aaron, Jerron, Stacey, and Marci, who grew up in that home. Sonya is still living there 54 years later.
    Steve enjoyed skiing, bowling and golfing at various times in his life, but his real love was cars! He loved to buy and sell special and unique cars. He always found the best deal and enjoyed owning cars that stood out. He also liked to help his kids and grandkids find the best cars to purchase. He attended car shows throughout Utah, and on several occasions, entered his own car in the Bountiful Car Show. He bought his first car when he was 15 years old and sold his last car when he was 86 years old.
    Steve was able to apply the skills he learned in community college and had a successful career of 47 years in the printing industry.  He had a very strong work ethic and took pride in working hard and being a provider for his family. Steve was also able to enjoy a well deserved retirement for 19 years.
    Steve and Sonya enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, and dining out. He especially enjoyed time spent with family; casual get-togethers, celebrating special events, and holidays. Later in life, Steve and Sonya traveled to many locations to see their children and grandchildren, including Boise, Las Vegas, and even England.
    Steve was the ultimate handy man. He could fix anything that was broken, whether it was in the house, in the yard, or on the cars.  Whenever there was a needed home improvement or something that wasn't working right, he would take care of it much sooner than most men. He didn't give Sonya a chance to make a "honey-do" list or find a need to remind him.  Yard work was not his favorite thing, but he made the effort and did his part, and always took pride in a beautiful, well-kept yard.
    Steve was a soft spoken, kind hearted man of few words. He was well known for his dry sense of humor and was often making jokes and making people laugh when they least expected it. Sonya always said, Steve didn't necessarily make her life way exciting, but he gave her a life of peace, security, and laughter.
    Steve was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his Heavenly Father and strived to always keep His commandments. He served in many callings throughout his lifetime, and during retirement, served with Sonya in the Bountiful Temple. In a world of very little peace, Steve was able to find personal peace. To quote from the Doctrine and Covenants; "But learn that he who doeth the work of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come." The Gospel brought purpose and peace to Steve's life, and he endured to the end.
    Steve was preceded in death by his son, Keith, his parents, Marion Evan Ames and Gladys Barrett Ames, sister Evelyn Aldridge, brothers Bud Ames and Merlin Ames. He is survived by his loving wife, Sonya Buttars Ames, four children, sons Aaron Ames (Farmington, Utah), Jerron (Tiffany) Ames (Farmington, Utah), Stacey (David) Martinez (Salt Lake City, Utah), Marci (Mark) Vigna (Missoula, Montana), nine grandchildren, and brother, Stanley Ames (Hyde Park, Utah).
    A memorial service will be held on Steve's birthday, June 10, 2023, at the Centerville 19th Ward Chapel, 900 South 400 East at 11:30 a.m. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Elevation Hospice for their loving care.  Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.
    Steve donated his body for medical and scientific research with the University of Utah.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the University of Utah Body Donor Program, to further their educational and research mission, or to a charity of your choice.