Ruth Elaine Lee

Ruth Lee passed away in her sleep at her home on July 2, 2024, from the effects of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Ruth was born June 18, 1945, in Ithaca, New York, to her father Fook Zee Lee and mother Elizabeth Ann Vanderstow. She grew up in San Francisco, California, where she graduated from George Washington High School in 1963.
A beauty queen Ruth was destined to be, she was crowned Miss Chinatown of San Francisco in 1963 and was featured in the Ambassador Magazine and Hotel in Hong Kong. She was also a very talented roller skater who received many awards and trophies competing as a young woman. Her hobbies, passions and favorite pastimes included: bowling, softball, mud volleyball, dancing, puzzles, movies, music and crochet. She created thousands of handmade crochet hats, handbags and scarfs that were trademarked "Fook E. Tooks" named after her father. Ruth was so excited when one of the "So You Think You Can Dance" stars wore her custom hat on national television.
In 1965 Ruth married Bruce Allan Boyd and they moved to Santa Barbara, California, where they spent the next chapter of their lives raising their two beautiful children Trazee and Bruce the second. After 10 years in California, they moved to Utah where they added two more children, Lee and D.J., to the family tree.
Ruth is the perfect example of unconditional love and beauty emanating from within that will be forever missed. She loved her children and grandkids so much! Anytime one of her loved ones was feeling sad and down she would say "Hakuna Matata" which means "no worries" which is what she would want everyone to know at her passing. That she is alive and happy watching over us all. According to her loved ones, these are the best words that describe Ruth: loyal, honest, happy, funny, joyful, tenacious, beautiful, creative, cheerful, giving, caring, kind, compassionate, supportive, and loving.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Fook and Elizabeth Lee and brother David John Lee. Ruth was survived by her son Bruce Allan Boyd the second who suddenly passed shortly after her. They are both together now watching over us all.
Ruth is survived by her sister Gloria Jean Wise, daughter Trazee Ann Boyd, son Lee David Boyd, son Daniel James Boyd, 10 grandchildren: Zoey, Jade, Max, Kennedy, Quincy, Dallas, Beilee, Leija, Drayden, and Bryannaka; and 8 great-grandchildren: Logan, Presley, Slade, Indiana (Indie), Elizabeth, Truman, Lorelei, Valorie, and one on the way still to be named. Ruth's legacy and greatest life achievements she would say is her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She dedicated her life to them wholeheartedly with love and affection. We love you Mom, Grandma, Sister, Friend.
The family would like to thank Canyon Home Care and Hospice team for their kind and loving care for the last several months of her life.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024, with an open house visitation at 1:00 PM, a memorial service at 2:00 PM, and a graveside at 3:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT 84092. Those who wish to attend services virtually may do so by clicking the "Watch Services" button above.