Timothy James Ruthenberg

In Loving Memory of Timothy J. "Tim" Ruthenberg

October 14, 1965 - October 5, 2025

With heavy hearts, we share the loss of Timothy J. "Tim" Ruthenberg, who was tragically taken from us on Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tim was born on October 14, 1965, in Sasebo, Japan, to his dearly missed parents, Yoshiko and Donald Ruthenberg.

Tim loved deeply and lived simply. He loved animals, especially his cat children Sid and Taro, and his late Nookie, who meant the world to him. He was happiest when he was cooking or BBQ'ing for others, surrounded by good food and good company. Hosting people and making sure everyone was taken care of was his way of showing love.

He was proud of his Japanese roots and enjoyed sharing that part of himself with others - especially through his love of sushi. He loved being outdoors, whether it was walking along the beach collecting sand dollars, fishing, camping, or sitting around a bonfire. He liked working with his hands, fixing things, and building things - he could figure out how to fix just about anything.

Tim loved San Diego, California, and never stopped being proud of where he came from. But more than anything, he loved his children - Noah, Sophia, and Joy. They were his pride and joy, the best parts of him, and the center of his world.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Yoshiko and Donald Ruthenberg, and his brothers-in-law Sid Leilua and Howard Ama. He is survived by his wife, Terisa "Sia" Leilua Ruthenberg, his children Noah Ruthenberg, Sophia (Scott) Hawrey, and Joy (Bryce) Ticer, his brother Andrew Ruthenberg, nieces Marisol Ruthenberg, Tahnee Ruthenberg, and nephew Andy Jr Ruthenberg -as well as many other loved ones from both his and Sia's families who will continue to honor and remember him with love.

Tim will be missed beyond words.

"I'll hold you in my heart, 'til I can hold you again in heaven."