Larry Ballantyne

Larry Ballantyne, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, at 1:55 p.m.

He was born on February 25, 1931, in Winslow, Arizona, to John and Linda Ballantyne. On June 18, 1955, Larry married Mary Mae Platten, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

Larry was raised in Winslow, Arizona where he graduated from Winslow High School. After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy, which gave him the opportunity to travel the world. Following his time in the service, Larry returned to his hometown and soon after, married the love of his life, Mary. He began working for the Santa Fe Railroad, a career that allowed him and Mary to explore new places while building a life together.

Faith was central to Larry's life. He served in the Bishopric in Winslow, Arizona, and was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He attended church faithfully every Sunday. One of his most meaningful callings was working in the St. George Temple, where he served in the baptistry for 25 years and attended the temple regularly.

Larry was a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm. He was extremely health-conscious and went to the gym every day except Sunday. He had a deep love for the outdoors, he hiked the Grand Canyon and explored many of the beautiful canyons throughout Southern Utah. He loved snow skiing so much that he bought a condo in Brian Head and spent as much time there as he could. He also enjoyed boating and camping, and he ran marathons well into his 80's. That was one of the things he missed most as he aged - being out in the sunshine, training daily, and pushing himself physically. Larry was also a voracious reader who enjoyed books of every kind.

But above all, he found his greatest joy in serving others. It didn't matter who was calling or what they needed, if someone reached out, Larry showed up, without hesitation or question. Those who knew him were drawn to his generous spirit and his dry, witty sense of humor. He had a gift for making people feel cared for, supported, and truly seen. Simply put, to know Larry was to love him.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Mae Ballantyne, residing in St. George, Utah; his daughters Diane Ray of Washington, Utah, Donna Culbertson of Riverside, California, and Cherie Miller of Kennesaw, Georgia; grandchildren Cynthia Marie Shelley, Michelle Pauline Gilbert, Tanya Naomi McLellan, Ashley Nicole Cashman, Jason Michael Miller, Lauren Brooke Smith, Courtney Faith Beam, and Blake Wilson Miller; great-grandchildren Riley Lynn McLellan, Jayden June McLellan, Elora Laine Cashman, and Trent Thomas Cashman, Taylor Diane Poulsen, Dakota Mae Shelley, Josie Marie Shelley; and one great-great-grandchild, Hudson Allen Poulsen.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah. A second viewing will take place on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 750 E. Ft. Pierce Dr., St. George, Utah. Funeral services will follow at the same location from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Tonaquint City Cemetery, 1777 Dixie Dr., St. George, Utah.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to sign Larry's online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com