Ruth Westergard

RUTH TRACY WESTERGARD Click here to view video of Ruth's Life IONA, ID -- Ruth Schwieder Tracy Westergard passed away peacefully at her home in Iona on March 6, 2008, surrounded by her family, who all love her very much. Ruth was born June 9, 1917, in a home built by her father in Idaho Falls, the fifth child of ten born to Arthur William Schwieder and Louella Keller Schwieder. Linda, Carvel, Phil and Norma came before her and Rosa, Anna, Ruben, Betty and Harold followed after. She grew up spending summers on the family dry farm in Dehlin and the school year in Iona, and she graduated in the first graduating class from Iona High School in 1934. Ruth met Kenneth Ritchie Tracy of Ucon, they fell in love and married in Idaho Falls on December 23, 1934. They had three daughters, Carlene, Joyce and Judy, who they raised in Idaho Falls. Ruth, Ken and their girls spent many summers on excursions to Yellowstone Park, where Ken caught the fish and Ruth cooked them. Her daughters in turn gave her nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. After their children were grown, Ruth and Ken moved into the house Ken built in Iona, where she lived for the rest of her life. Ken passed away in April, 1978, and several years later, Ruth and Riley Westergard rekindled an old high school romance after Riley's wife also passed away. They were married August 18, 1984, and to her delight, Ruth's family dramatically increased to include Riley's children, Wayne (Sherry) Westergard, Karla (Bob) Burtenshaw, Ray (Louise) Westergard and JoAnn (Gary) Ball and their families. She and Riley spent many wonderful years together wintering in St. George, Utah, traveling, and spending time with the extended families before he passed away in January, 1997. Beginning in 1952, Ruth worked as a saleslady at Carroll's in Idaho Falls, eventually managing this dress shop in the old Rogers Hotel. She enjoyed working with the public, seemed to know nearly everyone in town and was very successful. She also served faithfully in her church organizations for many years. She was also a talented seamstress and a world class quiltmaker, keeping multiple generations of her family clothed, mended and warm in bed at night. Most of all, she was always doing for others before doing for herself. She was a loving and dedicated companion to both of her spouses, a caring and concerned mother to her daughters and the best grandmother on earth. All her family honor her, and all will miss her deeply. Survivors include her daughters, Carlene Brown and Judy (Dale) Wells, both of Idaho Falls; her brothers and sisters, Phil Schwieder of Iona, Rosa (Phil) Knowles of Iona, Anna Lamb of Cedar City, Utah, Ruben Schwieder of Longview, Washington, Betty Krieger of Idaho Falls, and Harold (Mary) Schwieder of Iona; her grandchildren and their families, nieces and nephews galore and Riley's children and their families. In addition to both her spouses, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Joyce Dodge, her sons in law, Keith Brown and Monte Dodge, two sisters, a brother and one grandchild. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2008, at the Iona LDS Stake Center at the intersection of North Iona Road and the Ririe Highway. The family will meet with friends and relatives at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, Idaho Falls, Sunday evening between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at the Iona Cemetery. The family expresses thanks to hospice nurses Phyllisha and Sonjia, and to Dr. Avondet and his nurse Pam for their fine, dedicated work and remarkable compassion. ------------------------------------ Condolences received online: Steve & Linda Barnard [drsteve@ida.net] Our dear Ruth was an icon of life in Iona and surrounding area - as it should be. She is one sweet lady. What a great legacy she leaves us all. It is always a time to rejoice when someone so great peacefully slips to the other side. Know that we are thinking of you and thank so many of your great family for our relationships we have shared. Ada Anderson Dear Judy and Dale, so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Cherish the memories of her. Love, Ada