Ruth Maxine Ginn Carter (our Nana), 87, slipped peacefully, back into the arms of her eternal companion on December 24, 2016. Also, anxiously awaiting her arrival were her parents, granddaughter and brother Wallace whom she hadn't seen for 75 years.
Ruth was born on November 14, 1929 in Greenville, South Carolina. She loved her southern roots and her home was always filled with "southern hospitality". Ruth grew up in Greenville and moved to Utah after graduating from high school. She served as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Eastern States Mission. She often talked of the wonderful opportunity she had of meeting members of the church who were emigrating to the United States as they would arrive at Ellis Island. She was encouraged by her mission president to take the mission car and give the new arrivals a tour of New York City. It was during her mission that she learned to love eating sharp cheddar cheese with apple pie. A practice that she continued throughout her life.
She married Jesse Orson Carter (Papa), her sweetheart (whom she had known since childhood), on December 18, 1953 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They made their home on the avenues in Salt Lake City. Nana had lost her only sibling as a child and marrying into the Carter family was a gift, as she gained 9 new siblings and their spouses. She cherished these relationships which have endured for over 63 years and will now continue through the eternities.
After a long wait of 5 years Nana and Papa were finally blessed with children, only having 2, however, left their hearts yearning for more. Through the beautiful gift of adoption and foster parenting they raised 4 additional children along with nurturing countless others that found their way into Nana and Papa's home and hearts.
Nana was a committed mother and homemaker, she did everything she could to remain at home with her children, while still helping to support the family. Some of the jobs she held included daycare, pre-school teacher, bus driver, rental property agent, newspaper carrier, tying fly fishing lures and teaching piano lessons.
Nana was a fantastic cook, you never left her home hungry. She was a gifted musician, played the piano beautifully, accompanied many soloists, directed choirs and many musical performances. She held many leadership positions in the LDS church, but most of all she supported Papa in his callings. He once said, "no bishop could ask for a better companion, than your mother".
Service was her talent and her gift. Nana selflessly and compassionately served everyone around her. She was a master at seeing a need and then finding a way to fill it. She truly exemplified the scripture, found in Mosiah 2:17 "And behold I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God".
Nana had a strong and abiding testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ. Her faith was simple, frim and unwavering. When she prayed, she was talking to her friend.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Jesse Orson Carter, her parents Herbert Lester and Mary Ann Powell Ginn, her brother Wallace L. Ginn and her granddaughter Jamielynn Rathael. She is survived by her children, Cheryl Carter, Stephen G. (Judith) Carter, Katie (Ken) Monier, Judi (Ryan) Tanner, Jesse C. Carter, and Elizabeth (Peterson) Little, 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren (with 2 more special little girls on the way), 4 precious sister-in-laws, 1 dear brother-in-law, countless nieces and nephews and many others who called her mom or Nana. She loves you all.
A viewing will be held on January 2, 2017 from 6:00 ‚ 8:00 PM at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple. Funeral services will be held in the 18th North Ward Chapel, 135 A. Street, Salt Lake City, UT at 11:00 AM on January 3,2017, with a viewing prior to the services from 9:30 ‚ 10:45 AM.
LOVE AND LIFE ARE ETERNAL
