Ruth Sleight Widdison

Ruth Sleight Widdison, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away July 19, 2008, of natural causes. Ruth was born October 21, 1921, in Paris, Idaho, to Richard S. and Laura May Hunsaker Sleight. She grew up in the Bear Lake area where her father was a merchant in various towns. She graduated from Pegram High School and later from LDS Business College and spent many years working as an excellent and gifted secretary.

While working in Ogden for the Forest Service, Ruth met Milton G. Widdison of Hooper and they were sealed in the Laie, Hawaii, LDS temple on March 11, 1944. Ruth and Milt always had a great love for Hawaii, having spent the early part of their marriage there, and visited Hawaii many times. One of the highlights of their lives was taking their four children and their spouses to Hawaii in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary. Over the years Milt and Ruth traveled the world extensively, and had many delightful and memorable experiences. Milt died in May 2007 following 63 years of marriage.

Ruth was an active and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in many callings throughout her life. She and Milt served a six-month mission together in Mississippi 1981. The Church was a major focus and influence of her everyday life. She made and cherished friends wherever she went.

Ruth adored her parents, brothers, sister, and extended family members, and was proud of her Bear Lake heritage. She was also close to Milt's extended family. Ruth was well-known for her sense of humor and always had a joke or humorous story to share. She loved everyone, and everyone loved her. She especially loved her children and their spouses, fourteen grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Ruth was a very positive person and was appreciative of every kindness shown to her. She was a great example to all of us.

Ruth is survived by her children, Leilani (Barry) Rigby, Jefferson, New York; Lyn (Hans) Frohlich, Salt Lake City; Gary (Colleen), Salt Lake City; and Richard (Susan), Westminster, Colorado; her brother, Ivan Sleight, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, siblings (Ferrol, Doyle, Theron, Loyd, and Lois), and infant daughter, Renae.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Canyon Rim 2nd Ward, 3000 East 3100 South, Salt Lake City. Visitations will be held on Tuesday, July 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S. 2300 East, and at the church Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., prior to the services. Interment will take place at the Hooper Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. following the services. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.holbrookmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the LDS Church's Humanitarian Services or Perpetual Education Fund.