Ruth Jackson

Ruth Ellen Taylor Jackson
1956 - 2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Ellen Taylor Jackson, 67, who passed away on June 17, 2023 in South Jordan, Utah. Ruth was taken from this earth far too young as she battled complications associated with the condition known as Frontotemporal Dementia. While this condition limited her abilities later in life, Ruth accomplished much in the time she did have and left behind a lasting legacy as a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She greatly valued family, friends, service, hard-work, and love for others. There are many cherished memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. We celebrate the beautiful life she led and the profound impact she had on all those who knew her.
Ruth was born on April 7, 1956 in Evanston, Illinois to her loving parents, Dale H. Taylor and Ada Moulton. Ruth is survived by three siblings Raquelle (Randy), Dale (Paula) and RoseAnn (Curtis), and four sons Kim (Ashley), Brandon (Julie), Stephen (Danielle), and Sean (Cari Sue), and 16 grandchildren.
Ruth grew up in Provo, Utah where she attended Provo High School and Brigham Young University. She was passionate about dance, her friends, and her education. She studied Secondary Education and earned a M.S. in School Counseling and Administration. Throughout her career as a dance teacher and school counselor, she touched the lives of many at Richfield High School, Hillcrest High School, and Union Middle School. She was most proud of her annual student project at Union Middle School where the students were given the opportunity to learn about practical skills that would help them throughout their lives. She would lead them through a simulation where they selected a career, managed money, and made other choices common to adulthood.
Despite all her professional achievements, Ruth claimed she was most proud of being a mother and raising her four sons with her ex-husband, Kim Thomas Jackson. Ruth was a dedicated and loving mother who put the needs of her sons above all else, including her own. This involved countless hours assisting with homework assignments, school projects, and attending sporting events cheering on her son's successes and consoling them during their defeats. Ruth used to joke ironically that even though she hated sports she spent all her time attending sporting events. Whenever someone would ask if she enjoyed sports, she would reply, "Nope, unless my boys are playing in them!" Ruth had an inner strength and determination to be successful in all that she did. She passed these qualities on to her boys. She taught them to be "mentally strong" and to not let any opponent or obstacle deter them from achieving their goals.
Ruth was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She dedicated her life to studying the teachings of Christ and lived in accordance with those teachings. She was sealed to Kim Thomas Jackson on April 18, 1977 in the Salt Lake City Temple. She served in many callings within the Primary and Relief Society. She also found great joy in serving as a temple worker in St George, Utah. Nothing had a greater impact on her as a person than her love for Christ and His gospel. She also distilled that love for the Savior and His teachings in her four sons.
Ruth had many talents and hobbies. Some of the things that brought her the most joy were dancing, reading books, tole painting, watching movies, family game night, and decorating for holidays. She was famous for elaborate Christmas decorations. Set up was a multi-week event that included multiple christmas trees, trains, and a metropolitan of Department 56 villages that filled multiple rooms! She was organized and detail-oriented which often led her to be called upon to assist with projects or events associated with her church and community.
In her absence, Ruth will be deeply missed by her loved ones. While the void left by her departure is unmeasurable, it brings her family great joy to know she has reunited with her parents and she no longer has to battle the ailments associated with Frontotemporal Dementia. We have no doubt Ruth is tackling the next stage of her existence with the same vigor and determination that she approached her life on this earth. Her legacy will continue on through the lives of her four sons and 16 grandchildren, who were shaped by the lessons she taught.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have offered their support, prayers, and condolences during this difficult time. Your kindness has provided comfort and strength to our family.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate the remarkable life of Ruth. These services will be held at Nelson Family Mortuary located at 4780 North University Avenue, Provo, Utah 84604. There will be a viewing on Friday, June 30 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Funeral services will be held on the same day at the same location at 1:00 pm. Ruth will be laid to rest next to her parents at the Provo Cemetery.
In honoring the memory of Ruth, let us carry forward the lessons she taught us, cherish the love she showered upon us, and continue to live our lives in a way that would make her proud. Ruth's light will forever shine brightly in our hearts until we meet again.