Ruth Beck Spencer

Ruth Beck Spencer, 92, died peacefully of natural causes on March 14, 2008 at the Summerfield Manor where, in the last several years, she made her home. Ruth was surrounded in the last several hours by her loving family. Ruth was born August 17, 1915 in Mount Pleasant Utah to Herman and Lizzetta Hafen Beck.
She married Erwin M. Spencer of Indianola, Utah, 1933. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Temple. Ruth and Erwin were the proud parents of seven children, Jan (Swan), Tooele, Utah, Arkade, Grace, Idaho, Carson, St. George, Utah, Becky Terrill, Tamma (Turner), Orem, Utah, Randy, Anchorage, Alaska, Jeff, Salem, Utah.
She was preceded in death by her husband Erwin, her infant daughter Becky Terrill, parents, brothers, Lorraine, Evan, Earl, Kenneth, Ray, Bardell, Delmar and William Beck; sisters Dorothy Willardsen, Myra Blain and Eva Lay.
She is survived by, 16 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 11 great, great grandchildren, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Taught to her by her loving parents early in her life, was the joy of helping others. The work in her church was on-going throughout her life-Primary, Mutual, Relief Society, and many years as chorister, even into her 90's.
She and her life-partner, together taught ballroom dancing to the young men and women at their church in Provo. The following week, she would "reign as Camp Queen" at the family annual Deer camp-near "Spencer Fork" on Mt. Nebo.
She met with her literary club and her riding club regularly. She was a beautiful "horse woman" sitting tall in her saddle. She wheeled a garden shovel with the same ease as shooting her rifle (25.35).
She never met a stranger. Her ability to make everyone completely at ease, feeling right at home, was fun to watch. She knew everybody, and is out and about the country-dining at the Country Clubs and driving a jeep or truck across the desert hunting coyotes.
She had an endless supply of food and laughter to fill your tummy and your soul. She would kiss and bandage your wounds, singing or whistling to lighten your pain while lightening your spirits.
She and her life-partner were always on the go-endless trips. A memorable trip with her son, daughter, and son-in-law to Kentucky-Church Hill Downs for a "Breeders Cup" with the long day "at the tracks". Enjoyed a lobster-steak four course dinner on a private railcar-in her joy and excitement, she repeated, "If only Erwin could be here to share this!" Another great trip to Switzerland to search for her roots, with grandson, granddaughter, son, and daughter was most special, again in her joy-"If only Erwin could be here to share this!" Always, always thinking of others. . .
She was and will always be a great gift to us all.
We would like to thank the following people for their compassionate care over the years: Dr. Walstir Fonseca, M.D. and staff; Dr. Clark, M.D. and staff; Seville Gracious Retirement Living and staff; Summerfield Manor and staff; Comfort Care Hospice and staff. Thank you, Thank you.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 11:00 am at Salem Seventh Ward, 25 West Apple Blossom Way, Salem, Utah, 84623. Friends may call on Tuesday March 18, between 6-8 pm at the Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, or Wednesday at the church 1 hour prior to the service. Interment at Salem City Cemetery.