Ruth Olsen Stewart

Ruth Olsen Stewart was born on March 31,1933 in College Ward, Utah.

She was the second of five children born to Joseph Henry Olsen Jr. and Naomi Zollinger Olsen. Her well chosen name, Ruth, means “Compassionate one.”

She had 3 brothers and 1 younger sister. Her only sister, Jane, arrived as the answer to prayers when Ruth was 7. Their little brother Franklin died of pneumonia when he was only 2 years old, which was devastating for the whole family.

Mom was born during the great depression. Despite difficulties this presented, Ruth said she had a wonderful childhood. As a young girl she worked hard on their family farm and helped take care of a large flock of turkeys, which they sold to the military during World War 2.

Mom never felt they were poor even though her parents started their married life living in a one room house. Her father later built a second room. Mom was very proud of her Father who served the United States as a marine, in World War 1 and served a 3 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints in New Zealand, where he learned to speak Maori.

Ruth attended Cache County schools. Beginning in the first grade, Mom walked over 2 miles each way to elementary school with her brother Milt. Ruth was athletic, and played first base on her school softball team. She valued education. Ruth was the vice president at South Cache before moving to Idaho, where she enjoyed being a cheerleader for the Chieftains, and graduated in 1950 from Arimo High School. Ruth always wanted to do something worthwhile! She chose to become a nurse, who cared for others and helped alleviate sickness and pain. Ruth attended nurses training at the Thomas Dee Memorial Hospital in Ogden, Utah, and Utah State University. She graduated with her RN and BS degrees.

Mom met the love of her life, Reid Stewart, shortly after he returned from his 2 year mission to the Eastern States. One day while Mom was working in the Logan LDS Hospital, one of her patients happened to be Kathy Stewart, Reid’s sister. Kathy told Reid that she had found him the perfect girl! When Reid went to the hospital to visit Kathy, he was swept off his feet by the nurse. Ruth was that lucky nurse. They were married on May 7, 1954 in the Logan LDS Temple.

Mom and Dad worked together farming. Including buying and selling farms and ranches throughout Northern Utah and Southern Idaho for the next 40 years, building a successful life together. By far, their favorite crop was raising their family, which included 6 dearly loved children, their spouses, 29 grandchildren, 78 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Up until her late 80s, Ruth wrote a handwritten birthday card with a personal message to each one.

Mom was always thrifty and learned to do many helpful things. She was a skilled seamstress, who sewed clothing for herself and her children. Mom was a great cook, and provided a happy gathering place for family meals in her home, for many, many years. She repeatedly won the blue ribbon at the Idaho fair for making the best homemade, wheat bread. Ruth had a beautiful voice, and would hum and sing the hymns joyfully. She was a lovely example of many Christlike attributes, including kindness, gentleness, temperance, charity, patience, love, modesty, and virtue until her final breath.

She was always a steadfast member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. She taught in the nursery, primary, Sunday school, Young womens and served as a counselor before becoming President of the Relief Society in the Logan 24th Ward.

Mom and Dad worked as ordinance workers in the Logan Temple for more than 10 years. During part of this time, they drove 12 hours each way, from their winter home in Maricopa, Arizona, to be in the Logan Temple every week to fulfill their assignment as officiators. Ruth possessed a quiet elegance, regardless of what life required of her.

Ruth had the deepest appreciation for her pioneer ancestors, who were converted to the Lord Jesus Christ, and whose sacrifices for the gospel left us a legacy of faith.

Mom was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother. She loved attending all of the family activities she possibly could. Ruth was a totally selfless mother, whose greatest delight and joy was her family. Ruth has had an immeasurable influence for good on her large posterity.

She currently has 4 great grandchildren serving Missions.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Reid S. Stewart, their grandson, Reid B. Stewart, her parents, Joseph H. Olsen and Naomi Z. Olsen, her brothers, Milton H. Olsen and Franklin D. Olsen.

Ruth is survived by her children, Rose Marie (Scott) Cook, Twin Falls, Idaho. Reid G. (Heidi) Stewart, New River, Arizona. Paul R. Stewart, North Logan, UT., Connie (Parry) Winder, Providence, UT., Mark L. (Tania) Stewart, Petersboro, UT., and Tammy (Joseph) Jenkins, Providence, UT., She is also survived by her sister Jane O. Langer of Boulder Colorado and her brother Joseph H. Olsen III (Hank) of Emmett, Idaho.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.