Ruth Nelson Leifson - Walker Funeral Home

Ruth Nelson Leifson, 94, our loving mother, grandmother, and sister, was reunited with her sweetheart after 33 years, Ted Leifson on Friday, June 26, 2020. She was born to George Frank and Eliza Money Nelson on June 2, 1926 in Spanish Fork, Utah. She enjoyed growing up in Spanish Fork among family and dear friends. She married Ted Victor Leifson June 10, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had five children, Frank, Lynn, Steve, Sterling “Red”, and Linda.

Ruth was educated in Spanish Fork Schools and graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1944. Her greatest joy in life was serving her family as a wife and mother. She welcomed and loved having everyone in her home, which was a loving gathering place. Each of her 5 children, 25 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren knew she believed in them and viewed them as remarkable and special. She was a lady in every sense of the word and set an example of living life to the fullest.

She possessed many talents including cooking, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and crafts. She was an accomplished pianist and organist and she accompanied many musical groups starting at the age of 12. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many capacities on the stake and ward level in Relief Society, Young Woman and Primary organizations. She served many years as an ordinance worker in the Provo Temple. She was the first Cub Scout den mother in Spanish Fork and was especially proud of her four Eagle Scout sons. Her strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to live on in the lives of her family.

Ruth was a member of the DUP and enjoyed club with her high school friends which was started when husbands went to World War II. They continued to meet until the past year. She loved her family, friends, and neighbors deeply and served them with a willing heart.

She is survived by her children, Frank (Maureen) Leifson; Lynn (Diane) Leifson; Steve (Cheryl) Leifson; and Linda (Bill) Beck; and her brother, Mark Nelson. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Ted; parents, George and Eliza Nelson; her son, Sterling “Red” Leifson; brothers, Frank Nelson, Bill Nelson, and J. Wayne Nelson; two great grandsons, Jared Wilson, and William Palmer Leifson.

Due to current health circumstances a graveside service honoring Ruth will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah.

Share Now

11 Condolences for Ruth Nelson Leifson

Condolences(11)

David Sorensen says

June 27, 2020 at 8:10 pm

What a great lady!!! Ruth’s husband, Ted, built our dental office.
I will miss her very much.

Larry and Sharon Creer says

June 27, 2020 at 9:01 pm

I absolutely loved your mom. She was so full of love for everyone. I used to look forward to the times we daughters were invited to club with our moms, because of her and others that made us feel so special.
I know she will be missed until you meet again.

Diana Applegate says

June 29, 2020 at 2:21 am

Ruth is a great and gracious lady. I hope they are having Club again in heaven. She was a good friend to many and a great example to all.

Rick Taylor says

June 29, 2020 at 5:32 pm

A grand lady!

Sally & Reed Nelson says

June 29, 2020 at 8:39 pm

Your mother was such a lovely lady. I loved when I was around her as she always made me feel so good. Please know that others are thinking of your family and hoping you can feel some happiness in remembering all the precious times you had with her.

Blake Bowen says

June 30, 2020 at 2:28 pm

What a kind and loving lady! Fond memories of what a truly great lady Ruth and the Leifson family have been. So many memories of Ted and Red,being and bringing the life and happiness to all of the outings our families so enjoyed,so much fun! And Ruth being her sweet and loving self! She was always there! They are together again! What an honor,privilege,and blessing it’s been to know such a fine family! Condolences from the Bowen’s.

Doug and evelynne Houghton says

July 1, 2020 at 4:21 pm

She has always been a very special lady in my life. My second mother. Loved her very much we’ll miss her sweet beautiful smile.

Ron & Maurine Hatfield says

July 1, 2020 at 6:06 pm

Our condolences to Ruth’s family. She was an amazing woman who lived life in joy and service. She will be missed.

Janette Hales Beckham says

July 1, 2020 at 7:29 pm

Ruth was the same age as my sister, Colleen Callister Dixon. I always looked up to Ruth as an ideal. I remember working for a Golden Gleaner award as a young mother because I saw Ruth receive that honor. The high school friends Ruth’s age met together for years. The Nelson and Leifson names are known for goodness!

Lana Hiskey says

July 20, 2020 at 5:37 pm

The Cleve & Helen Swenson Family via Ann Dart donated in memory of Ruth Leifson to the Nebo Education Foundation. Thank you for all your service Ruth. You will always be remembered.

Kristine Davis Snell says

January 14, 2023 at 7:32 am

Sister RuthLarsen was the best Young Women teacher.
She was such an example to look up to.

Ruth Nelson Leifson June 2, 1926 - June 26, 2020

Graveside Service

11 Condolences for Ruth Nelson Leifson