Ruth Rasmussen Clayson, 77, of Payson, passed away on April 30, 2023, of Dementia/Alzheimers Disease.
November 13, 1945 was a very special day for Harold Woodruff and Audrey Mower Rasmussen. On this day their beautiful baby daughter, Ruth, was born. She was born at home, on a ranch just north of Payson, Utah. Ruth was always very proud of the fact that she was born on a cattle ranch. She and her brothers and sisters had a lot of fun with their horses—Topsy, Spur, and Sweetheart. Her best friend was the cattle dog, Sally. The family moved uptown when she was five years old. Throughout her life, she always loved animals.
Ruth was the youngest of seven children—John (Mary) Rasmussen, Joyce (Ronald) Millett, Jerry (Carlee) Rasmussen, Karen (Rex) Steele, Janice (Don) Ledbetter, and LaDawn (Kirk) Ludlow. She was also blessed with many wonderful nephews and nieces. She attended Payson schools and graduated from Payson High School in 1964. She also attended Brigham Young University. 
During the summer and fall of 1964, Ruth met and fell in love with Clark R. Clayson of Payson. They married and were sealed in the Manti Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 4, 1965. They are the proud parents of six children—Andrea (Carl) Calaway of Lindon, UT; Shelly (Tracey) Ruesch of Murrieta, CA; Timothy Clark (Krista) Clayson of Payson, UT; Emily (Brad) Roundy of Payson, UT; Jenny Ruth (John) Peterson of Woodland Hills, UT; and Wesley Clark Clayson of Tooele, UT. Ruth and Clark are the proud grandparents of 33 grandchildren and the proud great grandparents of 22 great-grandchildren.
Ruth and Clark were always active in the Church. Ruth held many callings, including Sunday School teacher of high-school aged youth, which she really loved. (She brought candy bars for them each Sunday except Fast Sunday.) Ruth also served as Young Women’s secretary and Relief Society teacher and secretary, among others.
Ruth and Clark served together for fourteen years in the South Utah County Mission of the Addiction Recovery Program of the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints. They served as participants and facilitators in the Family Support meetings and later as missionaries and coordinators of the mission. They met many wonderful people over the years who will always be lifelong friends in this life and in the life to come. Because of health reasons, they were released in 2020.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and brothers and sisters—John and Mary Rasmussen, Joyce and Ronald Millett, Jerry and Carlee Rasmussen, Karen and Rex Steele, Janice and Don Ledbetter, and Kirk Ludlow. She was also preceded in death by son-in-law—David V. Mortenson, and two beautiful granddaughters—Kaitlyn Hansen and Katie Calaway Peralta.
A viewing at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah, will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Friday evening, May 5, 2023. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, May 6, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mountain View 7th Ward, 681 East 500 North, Payson, Utah, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Payson City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund.
6 Condolences for Ruth Rasmussen Clayson
Condolences(6)
Kews says
May 3, 2023 at 1:52 pmWe loved Ruth and are sad to hear of her passing but know we will meet again. She was one of the first people we got to know when we moved to Payson 45 years ago and was a dear friend ever since. We are sorry we will miss the funeral but to Clark and the rest of her family we love you and wish you peace. Wish we could be there to hug you all. Love Steve and Terry Kew
Annie Wilkinson says
May 5, 2023 at 2:48 pmSincere condolences to the Clayson/Rasmussen families.
My husband, Chuck, and our family lived in Payson for twenty years when our children, Kery, Klove, and Kit, were small. I knew Ruth, and we helped out at Peteetneet and Barnett Schools as young mothers. My children were schoolmates and friends. Ruth and I had some lovely visits, and I found her to be so nice and personable. I will miss her and God bless.
Sincerely,
Annie Wilkinson
Leon Gay says
May 5, 2023 at 7:52 pmClark Clayson my old buddy! So sorry to hear about your beloved wife’s passing. I had no idea she was in declining health. My sincere condolences to you and your beautiful family. I hope you are in good health. I would love to see you again. I’m sorry I cannot attend the viewing or services because of my nighttime security job here in Milford. Sending my tenderest feelings at this time to one of my greatest boyhood friends and eternal brothers.
Roger Holt says
May 6, 2023 at 5:06 pmI was sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth. She was a good friend. Clark, I hope you are doing OK as you continue your mortal life without Ruth by your side. May the blessings of our Father in Heaven be with you.
Pamela Bill and Jenna Thurston says
May 10, 2023 at 12:56 amWe were deeply saddened to hear this news. She will be missed in our family but will always be remembered. Heaven has received a beautiful lady with a huge heart.
CHERYL L BENNETT says
May 15, 2023 at 4:36 pmWe were so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was a an amazing lady and we will always be grateful for the love and kindness to Makayla and Vincent. May the Lord bless you!
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