Ruth Ward

RUTH M. WARD IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Ruth Muir Ward, 85, of Idaho Falls, passed away September 13, 2008, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of causes incident to age. She was born July 4, 1923, in Parker, Idaho, to Royal Bassett Muir and Sylvia Eloise Powell Muir. She grew up in Parker and Rexburg and attended schools there. She graduated from Ricks College with a teaching certificate and began her teaching career at Iona Elementary. She married Bryce Ward August 3, 1945, in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. They lived and worked in the Idaho Falls area until 1950, when they moved to California. They divorced in 1959. Ruth had returned to Idaho in 1958 and lived in Rigby for 34 years, Idaho Falls 14 years, and in Ammon at The Gables for the past two years. She taught elementary school for 38 years. Most of her career was spent teaching second grade at the Kinghorn Elementary School in Rigby. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in various callings over the years, including the single adult organization and Relief Society. She enjoyed quilting and had made and donated over 200 quilts to families and various charitable organizations. She loved family history research and working in her yard. Always an example of love and service, Ruth quietly served those around her and shared herself freely with her precious family. Survivors include: Son: Michael Blair (Joanne) Ward, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Randall Kim (Nancy) Ward, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Cynthia Ward, CA Daughter: Shawna Marie Ward, Boise, ID Sister: Irene Mumford, Vernal, UT 12 Grandchildren & 19 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Dean Muir and Ross Muir, and a sister, Marjorie Orme. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2008, at the Wood Funeral Home East Side Chapel, 963 South Ammon Road, with Bishop Don Dahl of the Idaho Falls LDS Fox Hollow Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday for one hour prior to services, both at Wood East Side. Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Lee Ann Watkins lawatkins@cableone.net Shawna, My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. May your heart be filled with peace and comfort. Please let me know if I can help you in any way. Lee Ann Barbara Bell ma.bell@msn.com I have known your Mom for a long time, though I haven't seen her lately. I am her cousin Hazel's daughter. Hazel is the daughter of Walter and Mary Muir. Walter was Royal's older brother. I live in Rexburg. My husband is Frank Bell. Your Mom was so kind to us when my mom became suddenly and unexpectedly ill and died of cancer (brain tumor) in 1990, only 18 months after my dad died of emphysema. Your Mom was just older than mom, so they knew eachother all of their lives. Mom always spoke so highly of her cousin Ruth, and always enjoyed visiting her. I am in Montana helping my son, and will not be able to attend the funeral. I am sorry for that. I, again, would like to say what a kind and thoughtful woman, and what a real lady your Mom was. I know you will miss her. Sincerely, Barbara Bell Chantell Gallup cgallup@potandon.com Shawna, Sorry to hear of your loss. I see you are in Boise; I had no clue where you were since we lost touch many years ago.I really have alot of respect for you and I am sorry for this time in your life. May God bless and comfort you. Chan Krystal and Jerry VanLeuven vanleu1@q.net We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She was such a special lady. I always thought of her as my second mom since, Shawna and I practically lived together for years. We had planned to be there for the funeral, but, mom hadn't been feeling well all week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much Love, Krystal and Jerry