RUTH MAY TUCKFIELD LOFGREN was born August 18, 1922 in Salt Lake City, Utah to May Eileen Cartwright and Stanley Edward Tuckfield, of faithful pioneer heritage.
Ruth graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City in 1939. She then graduated from the LDS Hospital School of Nursing in 1943. She attended Highland Hospital in North Carolina for a 6-month course in Psychiatric Nursing. She worked at Duke Hospital in Durham, North Carolina until July 1945 and then enlisted in the Army Nurses Corps. She was assigned to Birmingham General Hospital in Van Nuys, California, and then transferred to Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco. In 1946, with WWII winding down, she chose to be discharged, as a Second Lieutenant Army Nurse. She went back to the University of Utah to work on her BS degree. She met her future husband at University Ward socials and spent 6 months "going steady" in geology class (Ben the teacher, Ruth the student).
Ruth and Benjamin Elder Lofgren were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple by Apostle Harold B. Lee on August 15, 1947. They worked on geology maps that day to finish up Ben's Masters' degree and then honeymooned in Heber City and Provo, Utah. In September, they traveled by bus to Boston, Massachusetts where they spent a year while Ben worked on his doctorate at MIT and Ruth worked at Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts. They returned to Salt Lake City in 1948 for the birth of their first child. Ben got a job with the U. S. Geological Survey. The family doubled in size with 3 boys born in March 1951, July 1952, and October 1953. Ben was called as Bishop of their East Twelfth Ward in November 1953. In 1955, Ruth worked part-time in the delivery room at LDS Hospital. With a job transfer to Sacramento, California in 1955, Ruth and Ben purchased a home near his office. In January, 1956, they moved into their new home on Figwood Way where they spent the rest of their lives, contributing generously to their church and community. Ruth worked part-time for a cardiologist as an office nurse for about 6 years. On family outings and ward activities she always had items with her in case someone fell or needed some medical help. Ruth found joy in her family and in nursing.
Ruth loved being a grandmother and always had great food, games, outings, parties, and presents. She always remembered everyone's special day—but all the grandchildren received presents and prizes from her "fish pond," so no one was ever left out. She kept a detailed history of all family events, reunions, activities and travels, and made sure everyone had a copy. She also loved to share medical, nutrition, and health information with the family. The extended family spent vacation time together visiting and camping at State and National Parks in California, Utah and Nevada
Ruth was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served capably in many callings, especially many years in the ward primary, as Teacher, Counselor, and President, and as Stake Primary President. She was also the Ward Speech Director, Relief Society Social Relations Teacher, Food Specialist on the Activities Committee, the Relief Society Compassionate Service Leader, a Visiting Teaching Supervisor, and always a visiting teacher. Ruth also served a Stake Mission with Ben. Ruth and Ben traveled regularly to attend the LDS Temple in Oakland, California. Ruth was valiant in her testimony of Jesus Christ and desired that her family live righteously and follow the Savior. She shared her written testimony with her family so they would always remember. She enjoyed serving others and giving of her time and means to friends and family. She always lifted those around her and made them feel worthwhile and good. She was filled with gratitude and love for all her blessings and expressed it in word and deed.
Ruth will be missed by her daughter, Ruth Ann Lofgren Seamons (Sandy, Utah); her son, Benjamin Steven Lofgren and wife Heidi (Henderson, Nevada); 16 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren. She was greeted by her husband Ben, two sons, John Kenneth and Robert Kay; her brother Wallace Stanley Tuckfield, his wife Josephine and daughter Terri Lynn; her loving parents, and so many extended family who have waited long for her arrival home.
We are so grateful to Stacy Daniels, Mele Moore and Muli Malimali, Ruth's special caregivers, who shared their love, concern, and hard work to make it possible for Mom to remain in her home. Thanks also to VITAS Home and Hospice for their excellent care.
Funeral services will be held at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Interment in the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 4th Avenue and ‘N' Street.
