RUTH FRANCOM NELSON

Ruth Francom Nelson "Beloved Mother" Ruth Francom Nelson passed away peacefully at home in the care of her daughter Lynda, on February 19, 2010, just short of her 86th birthday. She was born in Payson, Utah on March 2, 1924, the youngest of seven children born to George Arthur Francom and Harriet Viola Jones. She had fond memories of her family home and working together on the family farm. She attended church and schools in Payson. She played the piano at church and her flute in the high school band. After graduating from Payson High School, she worked at the Ogden Arsenal during World War II. Ruth married Russell A Nelson in the Salt Lake Temple on October 27, 1948. They made their home in Grantsville, Utah. They are the parents of eight children: Lynda, Connie, Glade (Marie), Merrill (Karen), Mark (Diane), Leon (Korinne), Reese (Kathy), and Gerald (Tonya). Ruth was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She worked diligently to care for her children, to teach them values of independence and hard work, and to rear them in righteousness. She sacrificed to fulfill her prayers that her children would serve missions, attend college, and prepare for families of their own. She reared her children with love and high expectations. She loved walking with and caring for her grandchildren. Ruth was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. She served valiantly in many church leadership and teaching positions throughout her life. She had a lovely alto voice and enjoyed singing in church and community groups. In 1989-90, she fulfilled the dream of her own full-time mission, serving in the Atlanta Georgia Mission. In later years, she most enjoyed gospel study and temple service. She devoted her life to her family, always placing their needs ahead of her own. She undertook each day's labor with a joyous spirit and a conviction "to do well those things which God ordained to be the common lot of all mankind," which President J.F. Smith termed "the truest greatness." Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Thella Reynolds, Deon Rydalch, and Aleen Francom; her brother Dean Francom; and her husband Russell. She is survived by her brothers George and Dale Francom, her eight children, 27 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. We are all the beneficiaries of her love and goodness. We will miss her kind words, bright blue eyes, and beautiful smile. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Millcreek 2nd Ward building, 4220 South 420 East, Murray, Utah. A viewing will precede the service at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Grantsville City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are by Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State, Murray, Ut.