Rodney Stewart Munson

May 11, 1959 ~ August 22, 2020

Rodney Stewart Munson, 61, of Monticello, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2020.

Rodney was born in Long Beach, CA on May 11, 1959 to Raymond Albin Munson and Leora Geneil (Pehrson) Munson. He was born ten minutes after his fraternal twin, Robert, and the brothers remained close until Rodney’s death.

Rodney spent his early years in Long Beach and Lakewood, then moved with his family to Albuquerque, NM, graduating from Sandia High School in 1977.

After studying machine technology and earning a CDL from Utah Technical College, Rodney settled in Monticello.

He worked as a clerk at NAPA Auto Parts, a mechanic at Car Care Center, a delivery driver for Blue Mountain Meats, and a bus driver for the San Juan School District. Rodney also operated a firewood delivery business and owned the Grandma’s Kitchen restaurant in Monticello.

Rodney married the love of his life, Toni Rouse, on July 23, 1989. The couple has four children and four grandchildren. Although they later divorced, Rodney and Toni remained close friends.

Rodney had three passions: cars, camping, and children. As a young child, he often wandered off. His mother would inevitably find him underneath a stranger’s car, where he was examining the exhaust pipe.

Another favorite activity was riding with his father in the family’s red Nash Rambler.

As an adult with children of his own, Rodney continued the tradition of going for family drives.

Almost every evening, he and Toni took their children up Blue Mountain or from Monticello to Blanding. Often, they listened to music from the 1970s or 80s as they drove.

Rodney was known for his tremendous memory. As a clerk at NAPA Auto Parts, he had a reputation for being good at math and for remembering the numbers for all the parts. Customers would ask for Rodney at the counter because they knew he could find what they needed.

Rodney also loved working on his own cars. He souped up an orange pickup truck and often raced on the highway against a friend with a Trans Am. Rodney always won.

An avid camper, Rodney enjoyed road trips to nearby state and national parks. He also liked camping on Blue Mountain every summer.

Above everything else, Rodney loved his family. He adored his children and had nicknames for each. During the final months of his life, Rodney spoke often and tenderly about his father, his twin brother, his children, and his grandchildren.

For much of his adult life, Rodney struggled with mental health issues. Despite his hardships, Rodney loved deeply and unconditionally. The worth of Rodney’s soul is great, and he will be missed.

Rodney is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Toni; four children: Raymond Dee Munson, Audrey Jean Munson, Carolee Dawn Hawkins (and husband, Thomas Carlyle), and Ashton Story Munson; brother Robert Story Munson (and wife, Melody); and two nephews, Trevor Albin Munson and Logan Thomas Munson.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, at Buckboard Campground west of Monticello. Interment will follow at Monticello City Cemetery.

San Juan Record

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