Ruth Hansen

On November 9, 1941, Ruth Linford Hansen was born and upon entry into mortality brought with her a determined spirit, sharp mind, tender heart and a multitude of gifts and talents. As she grew in wisdom and knowledge and with the emergence of her testimony of God, she developed and magnified her talents; talents that would bless countless lives until her passing on March 24th 2024.
Her mother declared that "Ruthie" inspired her conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints as she watched her young teenage daughter spend all of her allowance and countless hours preparing primary lessons at the young age of 14. Ruth would go on to devote her life to the service of God and the gospel she loved. She was an inspired leader in the Relief Society, Young Womens and Primary organizations. She was an effective gospel doctrine teacher, taught in every women's organization and served two years as an early morning seminary teacher of which was her favorite. After retirement, she now had even more time to devote to serving in various callings of leadership and loved her time as a temple worker in the Cedar City Temple. Well into her seventies she was so busy taking friends to medical appointments, relieving care givers, befriending the lonely and helping to lift the spirits of those who struggled.
Mom had a rock solid belief that we were here for a purpose and that was to be God's hands. Many have said "Your mom was monumental in my life", "Your mom was crucial in helping me come back and get on my feet", "Your mom taught me so much", "We would all watch your mom in awe and marvel at all of the things she would do." As mom returns home to her Father, we know that a sweet reunion awaits with the countless people she loved and served while here on earth.
Mom was not only a gifted teacher in the Church but also in the Whittier City School District. Of which she was the 2000 Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the 2000 Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. She loved teenagers! She inspired them, captured their interest, and devoted her all to their education, wellbeing and futures. As one of her fellow teachers wrote "...you truly were my mentor, the gauge of what a great teacher was and is meant to be. You set the standard!...Your love for kids and knowledge of the subject matter cannot be matched."
Our Mom did all this, despite carrying great burdens and challenges. She was the mother to five children, and bore great responsibility for our financial needs and wellbeing. Her kids recall her walking them to the babysitter, hurrying to the bus stop, and taking the bus to and from work where she was a valued employee. Returning home at the end of the day on foot with her children to tend to their needs. She delivered newspapers in the dark of night, did janitorial work, was a bookkeeper, office manager, and helped our father build his insurance agency. She worked tirelessly to support her family.
Mom never took pity on herself, but always went to work solving problems, finding creative answers, reaching deep into her reservoir of knowledge and faith. It was because of her challenges Mom became a "Jack of all Trades". She has installed toilets, painted houses, replaced flat tires, spark plugs, and water heaters. She was a DIY-er and always rose to the challenge before her. She was a master quilter, seamstress and excelled in needlework, knitting and crocheting. She loved learning new things and developing new skills. Her work was pure perfection! As were the plays she performed in and the musicals and roadshows she directed.
Her kids would all agree, Mom did not fit the typical mold of most mothers of her day. Nevertheless, her strength, sense of self, her work ethic, and faith in God has served her children well. We can hear her saying "Always make decisions from a position of strength, never from fear". "Don't worry about it. It is a waste of energy to worry, go to work and know that it will all work out." "Do all you can do and then stand still and let God do the rest". Mom never shrinked on her principles and was never swayed by public opinions or the pressure of others. She was her own person and demonstrated confidence in all that she stood for. Mom never complained of her plight but was grateful that God gave her the wisdom, knowledge and strength to rise to the challenge. May these attributes be her legacy and carried on to future generations.
Mom, as you exited this moral life, we pray it was with that same determined spirit and with the utmost confidence that you were a good and faithful servant.
Ruth is survived by her 5 children,Stephanie Whittier, Jon Hansen, Eric Hansen, Inga Denney and Greta Money. She leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
A private family viewing will be held at Nelson Family Mortuary in Provo, Utah, on Wednesday, March 27th at 11:00 am and a graveside service will follow at Orem Cemetery at 12:30 pm.