Ruth Ladd

1939 - 2026

Ruth Ladd

Dec. 14, 1939 ~ Jan. 14, 2026

Lilburn, GA-Ruth Lynne Pearson Ladd passed away peacefully at her home in Lilburn, Georgia, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. She finished her mortal journey as she had lived it-anchored in her faith in Jesus Christ, confident in His promises, and surrounded by loved ones.

Ruth was born on December 14, 1939, in Heber City, Utah, to Oswald Levi Pearson and June Vilate Young. Her family later moved to Salt Lake City, where she lived the rest of her youth and attended the University of Utah, graduating in the spring of 1962 with a degree in Childhood Education. Following graduation, she worked in Washington, D.C. for the summer before returning to teach in Utah. While in Washington, she met William Donald "Don" Ladd of San Mateo, Florida, who was working for a congressman. Don and Ruth were sealed for time and all eternity on December 20, 1962, in the Logan Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They returned to the Washington, D.C. area, where they built a gospel-centered home and raised their family.

A devoted wife and loving mother, Ruth consistently prioritized the needs of her family over her own. She found joy in creating a home where everyday moments and special occasions alike became sacred memories. She delighted in cooking for her family and in preparing themed dinners for holidays and family gatherings. Music, faith, and tradition filled her home, and she taught her children and grandchildren to love the Lord by the way she loved them. Her legacy lives on not only in the family she nurtured, but in the warmth she created-stitched into quilts, sweaters, blankets, smocked outfits, and Christmas stockings lovingly made for her children and grandchildren, each a treasured heirloom of her devotion.

Ruth's life was a quiet, steady testimony of the Savior. Even as her health waned, her testimony remained bright and reassuring. She faced mortality with peace, looking forward to a joyful reunion with her eternal companion and loved ones who preceded her.

Ruth is survived by her children: Joseph (Marci Colton), Dana (Tyler Rollins), Christopher (Jojo Burkholder), and Kimberly (Todd Duffield); sixteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and her eldest sister, JoAnn Pearson Jensen. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Donald Ladd; her parents, Oswald Levi Pearson and June Vilate Young; her sister, Nancy Rae Pearson Folsom; and her twin brothers, Oswald Levi and Oliver Leland Pearson.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1150 Cole Road, Lilburn, Georgia. Interment will take place at San Mateo Cemetery, San Mateo, Florida, on Saturday, January 24, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humanitarian Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services