Ruth Rigby Christensen Matthews Obituary (1918 - 2007)

“An Elite Lady” Ruth, our angel mother, passed through the veil into the arms of both Von and her Savior on Sunday morning, May 27. Ruth, just shy of 89, was born to Sarah and Howard Rigby on June 10, 1918. At her passing she was greeted by her parents and siblings Cleston, Ila, Glenda, Opal and Clyde and is survived by Faye, Keith (Ruth), and Therald (Thelma). Ruth, the Snow College queen, and LaVon Christensen, her college sport star, became eternal partners when they were sealed in the Manti Temple June 29, 1938. Their first three babies died shortly after birth. We, Kaye (Lloyd Bybee) and Anelle (Jim Bleak) along with Ruth’s 12 grandchildren, and 28 ¾ great-grandchildren are grateful for her loving, faithful, patient, dynamic example. Following Dad’s early death 50 years ago, Mom earned her BS degree from the U of U, her Masters Ed from BYU, and supported us girls and herself by teaching for 24 years in the Granite School District. Mom had a firm testimony of the restored gospel and loved to teach children, serve in the temple, and enjoyed visiting teaching. She read hundreds of books, sewed, crocheted, and wrote journals. Later in her life, she met Victor W. Matthews in the SL Temple where they were married in 1971. Mom, with Victor, continued to serve the Lord, their family, and wherever they saw a need until Victor passed away 8 years ago. Her additional family includes Diane (Elmo deceased), Tommie (Jan), Karen Lawrence (Dave deceased), Russell (deceased), 20 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Please visit with us at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 So.), on Friday, June 1, 6-8 P.M. A funeral service to honor her life will be held at 11:00 A.M. at her LDS chapel on 10400 So. 2500 West, Sat. June 2, preceded by a viewing from 10:00-10:45. Burial in the Ephraim Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, may we suggest donation to Primary Children’s Hospital, LDS Perpetual Education Fund or Granite District Foundation.