Ruth Jenette Matern

Ruth Jenette Williams Matern was born in Salt Lake City on November 18, 1922. She passed away at the Legacy Care Center in Taylorsville, Utah on September 1, 2015 at 92 years of age. She was the youngest daughter of George Echo and Elizabeth Marie (Cracroft) Williams. She spent her early years in Salt Lake City. Ruth met Richard William Matern when her family moved next door to his family in Salt Lake. They were married on June 28, 1941 in Farmington, Utah. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Their first son, Richard William Jr. was born in 1942 and died 3 months later on October 30, 1942. They later added to their family with three more children, Gary Lynn (JoAnn), Gayla Anne (Robert Gallacher) and Mildred (Mickey) Marie (Randy Braithwaite). Grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought Ruth and Dick much joy.

Grandma Ruth was a very strong willed person. She loved her children and grandchildren, and wasn't afraid to show that love to them. She enjoyed staying home, where she would do things with her husband Dick, both inside and outside of their well-kept home. She loved to sew, and would make things for other people. Ruth crocheted dishcloths, scarfs and other items by the hour, unwilling to ever sit with idle hands. Grandpa Dick and Grandma Ruth loved to have dinner with family, and in their younger years enjoyed camping with family and friends. Ruth was an example to all of us, for she was content living a very simple life. She never sought after material possessions, but had everything that she needed to be happy. We will miss her.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to the staff of Legacy Care Center and Aspire Hospice for all their kindnesses to our mom and to her family.

Services for Ruth will begin with a viewing from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015 at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State Street, Midvale, Utah.  Family and friends will then proceed to the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 4th Avenue & "N" Street, where graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. She will be buried next to her husband, Richard William Matern and infant son, Richard William Matern Jr.