Ruth Lavern Tomlinson Nelson

RUTH LAVERN TOMLINSON NELSON March 21, 1920 In remembering Ruth, we first honor her parents, Richard Leavers Tomlinson and Annie Oakden, who made the long journey from Nottingham, England, to join family in Ogden, Utah. There they were in community with other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ruth was born at home, being the youngest of seven children. A tomboy at heart, she won in marbles, tennis, soft ball, bowling, golf and any other sport that required a ball. It was the birdie of badminton, however, that helped her win the heart of Craig Nelson. They wed in 1944 and were the parents of three children: Craig Richard, Carol Ann and Lorene Ruth. As Ruth never thought she would get married, but likely follow the course of her single older sisters, she was always a bit amazed that she was successful at keeping a house and raising three respectable children. A diploma from Weber State, which at the time was a two year college, and a Physical Education degree from the University of Utah gave her the opportunity to teach at various schools in a field she dearly loved and in which she excelled. While raising her children, she was able to spend enough time on the tennis court and the golf course to keep her famous tan and strong physique but still be home in time to fix a homemade dinner and maintain her beautiful home. An ever present mom, she was a listening ear, a chauffeur, a believer in family and had a genuine heart that made it easy to know she loved us. Her granddaughters, Olivia Ann and Anna Claire, adore their grandmother and are so grateful that for many of their growing up years, they could run right across the street to be with her, first to be tended then to tenderly care for her as the years went by. Ruth was also a wonderful mother-in-law to two great husbands: Mark de St. Aubin and Stephen Greene. They both enjoyed and appreciated her feistiness, generosity and most of all, her deep love for them. Because Ruth lived to be nearly 98 years old, her naturally independent, sometimes feisty, spirit softened and she was so grateful for those who helped to care for her. Her family, the caregivers and residents at Beehive Home, dear home and visiting teachers as well as extended family all shared in the privilege of her care. We will miss her honest heart, her love for birds and sunshine, harmonica duets, rosy pink fingernails, and blue eyes that faded a bit, but always sparkled when she saw her loved ones. It was always easy to say, “Love you, Mom!” And we always will. In remembrance of Ruth, enjoy the sunshine, watch the birds, smile, and perhaps make a donation to your favorite animal charity. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Memorial Mountain View Cemetery 3115 Bengal Boulevard, Cottonwood Heights.

Ruth Lavern Tomlinson Nelson

March 21, 1920 - February 3, 2018