Til We Meet Again, Ruth Swanson

Ruth Wilhelmina Weindorf Swanson, age 98, passed away peacefully in her home on January 9, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was born June 1, 1917 in Salt Lake City to parents, Ferdinand Peter Weindorf, and Karolina W. Erickson. She married Douglas A. Swanson on December 18, 1939 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.

            

Ruth was raised in Oakland, CA in a neighborhood near the Oakland LDS Temple. She attended and graduated from the University of California in Berkeley working her way through school as a play-ground director. She raised three children and after they matured, turned her interests to working as a substitute elementary school teacher and also worked in the Real Estate field in communities in the San Joaquin Valley and throughout Southern California. During her lifetime she designed and built three homes, including her Bloomington home after Ruth and Douglas moved to St. George in 1976. 

She was an active member of the Bloomington 7th Ward from its beginning. Her church service included twice being called as a Relief Society President.  For several years, she served as a Temple Coordinator in the St. George Temple and fulfilled one of her lifelong goals by serving a mission in the St. George LDS historical sites. She loved living in St. George where she formed many great lasting friendships.

            

Sister Val Swanson said the family had gathered at her mother's bedside where they were practicing the song Ruth wanted on her funeral program. As the last note of the song was sung, Ruth slipped away!  "Just like my perfectly organized mother," said Val.

Those who knew and loved her will miss Ruth’s vivacious, welcoming personality, enthusiastic laughter and inspiring thoughts.  Rest in peace, dear Sister Swanson.