Ruth Elaine Muir Gardner, 72, died September 1, 1999 in Salt Lake City, Utah of cancer.
She was born June 7, 1927, the daughter of Ada Spencer and Thomas Woolley Muir. She married Lyall Jarvis Gardner on February 2, 1951 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.Ruth was educated in the Salt Lake City schools. She graduated from East High School and the University of Utah. While at the university she belonged to several scholastic groups, served as president of Phi Chi Theta (honorary business sorority) and was elected to Phi Kappa Phi. She was always interested in education. She taught at Murray High School until her marriage. She also served as chairman of a private kindergarten and as a PTA president. For many years, she taught private piano lessons in her home. For over 20 years, she participated in the Workshop for Church Music at BYU instructing in the children's music section.
Ruth was an active member of the LDS Church. She served in all the auxiliaries of the church, often in music positions at both the stake and ward level, and also including Young Women president, Primary president, editor of the ward newsletter, a member of the General Church Music Committee, and a member of the Primary General Board for 14 years. She often remarked that teaching the songs of the gospel to the younger children was her favorite church calling. With her husband, she served a mission to Tampa, Florida.
Her greatest loves were her husband, her children and grandchildren, and the gospel. She also enjoyed writing roadshows, programs (especially for children), and songs. Several of her songs are published in the Children's Songbook, and two hymn texts are found in LDS Hymns: "Go Forth with Faith" and "Families Can Be Together Forever." Like John of old, she would say, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
She is survived by her husband and children: David (Anel) Gardner, Kaysville; Barbara (Doug) Townsend, Salt Lake City; Paul (Kimberly) Gardner, Prospect, Kentucky; Elizabeth (Lyndon) Ricks, Centerville; grandchildren: Sister Danielle Gardner, serving in the Spain Madrid mission; Elder Robert Gardner, serving in the California Los Angeles mission; Benjamin and Alisha Gardner; Scott (Stacey) Townsend; Elder Jeff Townsend, serving in the California Arcadia mission; Shannel Robey, Andrew, Alexander and Rachel Gardner; Daniel, Heather, Adam, Whitney and Amanda Ricks. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas Richard (Fern) Muir. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mary Keddington.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 4 at 12 noon in the Valley View 5th Ward, 2245 East 3900 South. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive and on Saturday from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Church. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
N 9/2T 9/4