Ruth Elizabeth Muir

Ruth Elizabeth Muir, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully, in the loving arms of her family, on April 26 at the age of 89. The youngest of five children, Ruth was born at home in 1936 to Thelma and Lewis Buck. She was raised on the banks of the Bear River in Woodruff, Utah, and was later baptized as a young girl in that same river.

Life in those early years was simple and hard. There was no central heat or plumbing, and she remembered going to bed under a heavy stack of blankets with a hot water bottle that cooled quickly—always hoping to be the first in line for a bath. “Ruthie,” grew up working hard in the hayfields with her dad and siblings, pitching loose hay among the dust, flies, and long summer days.

Woodruff was a small ranching community—where everyone had a bit of a southern drawl and no one locked their doors. The effects of the Great Depression and World War II reached even this quiet place, where everyone felt economic hardships and saw military service. Her brother Max was slated to be part of the invasion of Iwo Jima, but his ship was delayed and he was never sent into battle. She adored her brother and sisters.

Ruth, like her sisters, was a spitfire—witty, mischievous, and full of life. She loved to read and even found humor in the ditties inscribed in the family’s two-seater outhouse—something common in those days—which she later shared with her family and friends, much to the chagrin of her father.

She never lost that love of reading. Later in life, she especially enjoyed the National Enquirer, jokingly referring to it as her “Bible,” and delighting in sharing the latest headlines with anyone who would listen.

Ruth married her high school sweetheart, Ira Lee “Ike,” who grew up in the neighboring town of Randolph. Ike was forever grateful to Ruth and often said that if it hadn’t been for her, he would still be charging his gas.

They soon moved to Ogden, Utah, where they welcomed their only child, Sherri. Their little family was eventually sealed for time and all eternity in the Ogden Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1966, a career opportunity for Ike took the family to Jerome, Idaho, where he was promoted to manager of Jerome Livestock Producers. Ruth worked faithfully by his side—clerking the auction for 47 years. As her young grandson Trevor once said, “Grandpa might be the manager, but Grandma is the boss.” True words.

Ruth was an amazing cook and loved gathering the family around the table. Her job was to insist you keep eating whether you were hungry or not. Food was love. No one ever left the table hungry. She made the best coconut cream pie this side of the Mississippi—all from scratch.

Flora and Jerry were her dear friends throughout her lifetime. Ruth met Flora in Sunday School and told her mom that day she had met a little girl with dark circles under her eyes. They quickly became best friends—a bond that lasted over 85 years—and always found a way to have fun, whether they were riding bikes, catching crawdads, or tipping toilets on Halloween. They always affectionately called each other “Kiddie.”

Ruth enjoyed all sports, including rodeo. She loved watching Sherri compete throughout high school and college in barrel racing, roping, and goat tying. Later, she and Ike rarely missed any sporting events or church activities their grandkids participated in and would drive all over the state if necessary. Ruth would incentivize performances by handing out a dollar for every point scored in a basketball game by her grandkids.

Ruth and Ike shared 71 happy years of marriage, building a loving home centered around family. Ike always desired to build a comfortable life for his bride and family, and Ruth took care of the home, where she wanted nothing more than to serve those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Vilate, Zoe, and Rea Dawn; her brother, Max; and three siblings who passed shortly after birth: Verla, Ray Lewis, and Bessie.

She is survived by her husband, Ike; her daughter, Sherri; her grandchildren, Ryan, Trevor, Kimbra, and Kali; and her 16 great-grandchildren. She loved them all— fiercely.

She will be missed every day.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.