Ruth Leanore Warner Swenson, age 93, returned to her Heavenly Father, January 24, 2022, after a life of service to her family, church and community. She was born August 20, 1928, to David Richard Warner and Leanore Thomas Warner in Spanish Fork, Utah. Her siblings were Richard, Lynn and Lois. She is a Spanish Fork High School graduate, and attended BYU.
Ruth married Garland Snell Swenson on March 21, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple and became a rancher’s wife. They built their home in Spanish Fork and were blessed with five sons: Roger, Clark, Carl, Paul and Lynn.
Ruth was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was known for her talents of playing the piano and organ, serving as Ward Organist for over 55 years, as well as being sought after to accompany the Singing Mothers vocal group, innumerable soloists and other performing groups at weddings, funerals, and programs. She also served in many callings in her church including a Relief Society presidency, as a Young Women’s leader and a Cub Scout leader.
She was an early riser, as a farmer’s wife, and was devoted to her husband and sons, always preparing a hearty breakfast and having hot meals on the table for dinner. She participated in the agriculture and livestock industry, actively supporting many livestock events including area livestock shows. She was an avid fan of BYU basketball. Over the years, she also was involved in different civic and community efforts in the Spanish Fork area. Her happiest times, above all else, were spent with her family.
Ruth was never idle. In addition to devoting her waking hours to her family, she worked several jobs over the years. Early in her career, she worked at Del Monte Cannery as Office Manager, and then spent the next 40+ years as the Office Manager and lead bookkeeper for Spanish Fork Livestock Auction. She was particularly efficient at balancing the books and never was satisfied until everything balanced to the penny.
Ruth is survived by her five sons: Roger (Bonnie) of Orangeville, Utah; Clark (Alfonso) of Las Vegas, Nevada; Carl (Nancy) of Salem, Utah; Paul (Kareen) of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Lynn (Natalie) of Spanish Fork, Utah. She is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). She is preceded in death by her husband, Snell; her parents, her brothers, Richard and Lynn Warner; her sister, Lois Warner Calano; and five great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Utah Home Health & Hospice, and Carl and Nancy, for their care of Ruth in her final days.
A viewing will be held on Friday evening, January 28, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660. A second viewing will be held Saturday morning, January 29, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Fourth Ward LDS Meetinghouse, 353 East 400 North, Spanish Fork, Utah. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the church chapel. Interment will take place at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.
For those unable to attend the service, the following livestream link has been provided: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8vrQE6TdKs1HCpcT0NDamQ/live
2 Condolences for Ruth Leanore Warner Swenson
Condolences(2)
Mary Wagner says
January 28, 2022 at 8:20 pmSo saddened to read of Ruth’s passing but I know that she and Snell are glad to be together again. We lived in Spanish Fork for 5 years and attended 4th Ward where Ruth was organist. She taught the Laurels when I was serving as Young Women’s President and did such a great job! The girls loved her! I love her and consider her a good friend. My sincere condolences to her family and to her 4th Ward family as well. She will be missed!
Rick Taylor says
February 2, 2022 at 4:31 amA wonderful and gracious lady who always gave so much.