Ren L. Anderton

Phoenix, Arizona/Richfield, Utah - Ren Lovell Anderton, age 62, passed away on May 29, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona, after a short but intense battle with cancer. He was surrounded by loving family and friends. Ren was born on October 14, 1949 in Richfield, Utah. He is survived by his parents, John Wilmer and Kathleen Lovell Anderton, and his five sisters: Lina Kae (Mike, deceased) Nielson, Richfield; Sharon (Don) Phillips, Kansas City, MO; Camille (Gaylen) Moore, Panguitch; Marijane (Todd, deceased) Robinson, Cedar City; Robyn (Mark) Porter, Denver, CO; and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also preceded in death by Grandparents: Cloyde and Gertrude Anderton; and Lorenzo and Mamie Lovell. After graduating from Richfield High School, Ren attended Snow College before receiving his Associates Degree from Dixie College and a Bachelor of Music at the University of Utah. At the time of his death, he was employed as the Music Director at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Phoenix, as well as teaching piano and coaching voice at Arizona State University, Maricopa Community College, and Paradise Valley Performance Center. During his musical career, he also taught at the Western Wyoming Community College and the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He has taught and been loved by many, many piano and vocal students over the years. He traveled all over the United States, to England, and to Greece, accompanying choirs, vocal and instrumental soloists. Ren was well known for his magic fingers. He learned early to play the piano, and was called to be the accompanist for the Richfield LDS 6th Ward Primary when only 10 years old. He accompanied many small groups and choirs during his school years. He served as Concert Master for several Opera companies, was the Music Director at Dirty Jack’s Theatre in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the organist for the Salt Lake City Greek Orthodox Choir. He gave back to his community by playing many concerts, large and small, and by helping the Tri-County Music Guild get started and procuring talented artists to perform in Richfield and the surrounding area. Ren loved being with family. He was genuinely interested in each person- he knew the interests and hobbies of his many nephews and nieces, and encouraged them in their pursuits. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and a friend to all. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 8, 2012 at 12 Noon in the Richfield 7th LDS Ward Chapel, 159 North 400 West in Richfield. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Thursday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or Friday at the ward chapel from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.