Emma Ruth Robertson Boulden

1923 ~ 2022

Viewing:

Feb. 19, 2022
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    Feb. 19, 2022
    11:00 AM
    Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
  • Directions to Service
  • Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend passed away peacefully from incidents due to her 98 years on February 1, 2022. A gifted artist at piano and ceramics, exceptional writer, compassionate citizen, and extraordinary wife and mother, she enriched the lives of all those fortunate enough to have known her.

    Ruth was a Christmas present to her loving parents David Abraham Robertson and Elizabeth Flavilla Coombs, born December 24, 1923. The youngest of eight children, she spent her childhood with her family at the sheep herd, joining her dear father on his many trips to Strawberry and helping her mother cook and supply the sheep camp. She attended Provo public schools until she fell suddenly and completely in love with a dashing young man attending Brigham Young University.

    She and Douglas Lester Boulden were married in 1941, and remained in Provo until Doug graduated from BYU. Their beloved son, Douglas David Boulden, was born December 6, 1941, just before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Doug enlisted in the U. S. Navy, and Ruth, that small town girl and her toddler, followed Doug across the United States first to Boston and then to other postings throughout the country. They returned to Provo after the war and eventually settled in Salt Lake City where Doug became manager of his brother-in-law’s trucking company, Clark Tank Lines. Their daughter, Judith Ann Boulden was born in December, 1948. Ruth and Doug made their home, raised their children, and eventually returned, somewhat, to their roots. They raised horses and cattle, first in Castle Dale and later in Bluffdale. The whole family loved the ranch, tending the livestock, raising alfalfa, hauling hay and reveling in nature and hard work. Ruth also was engaged in church work, in ceramics making beautiful and meticulous lace dolls, and in the Women’s Utah Motor Transport Association, where she served as president from 1954 to 1955. In December of 1960, Ruth and Doug were sealed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Salt Lake City Temple, for time and all eternity.

    Sadly, Ruth and Doug’s loving partnership was cut short by his untimely death from heart disease on August 27, 1978, and Ruth began her 44 year journey as a widow. She worked for Z.C.M.I. in the Cameo Room for years, served her Church, and was the counselor, mentor, loving listener and strength for her family for the remainder of her life.

    Though many caregivers, friends, and family members have loved and supported Ruth, no one did it better than her caring daughter Judith. It must be said, it should be noted: Seven days a week, three hundred and sixty-five days a year, with incredibly rare and few exceptions, Judith either visited or made not one, but most-often two phone calls a day, just to see how her mom was doing. Judith looked after her unselfishly, carefully, thoughtfully and lovingly on a regular and ongoing basis year-after-year.

    No doubt about it, she was much loved. And, for sure, she will be missed by many! “Until we meet again, dear Ruth.”

    She leaves behind her son Douglas (Jeanine) Boulden, her daughter Judith Boulden (Alan Barnes), her three grandchildren David (Catherine) Boulden, Michelle (William) Armour, Matthew (Cynthia) Boulden, and four great-grandchildren: Hannah (Daniel) Smith, John (Alexandra) Armour, Jessica Boulden and Joshua Boulden.

    A viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, at 10:00 followed by a funeral at 11:00 on February 19, 2022. Interment to follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery, with the location of post interment gathering to be announced at the funeral. In lieu of flowers, should you be so inclined, Ruth would have loved you to donate to the Humane Society of Utah.

    Fore those unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to join via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84470976727. A free zoom account is required and you will need to log in to your account to join the service.

    The family wishes to extend a special thank you to those exceptional people who have helped Ruth through the years, Rose Bennett, Susan Moyes, Sheila Calkins and all those at Sunrise at Holladay Assisted Living who provided such compassionate and caring assistance.


    Guestbook/Condolences

    Judith and Douglas, I’ve had your mother on my mind these last couple of weeks. I was privileged to be able to do her hair every week for her up until she fell and broke her ankle. I called and spoke with her when I retired. She is a real jewel. Really enjoyed her joyful spirit. Sharing stories of her growing up and the love she has for her children and daughter- in- law and grandchildren. She is a very wise women I am so sorry for your loss I’m sure the reunion with your Father was great. We talked genealogy one day and found we were distant cousins. It was fun for both of us.
    So happy to have known Ruth and heard her stories. Ethel Black


    - Ethel L. Black

    I was Ruth’s visiting teacher with Carol Niederhauser for many years. We thoroughly enjoyed Ruth, and I’m sure we stayed too long each visit. Later we were assigned to also visit Susan Moyes, one of Ruth’s caregivers, so saw them at the same time. This was especially enjoyable. We often went out to eat, always to The Coffee Shop at Little America during Christmastime. Ruth also liked Hires Big H and Rio Grande Cafe!

    When Carol and I received new visiting teaching assignments, the four of us continued eating out every three months – often at out-of-town restaurants. My last visit with Ruth was at Aspen Ridge West after she broke her ankle. Ruth was one of the most gracious people I’ve ever known. I miss her.


    - Teddie Krause

    Dear Jeanine & Doug, Our condolences to you. We enjoyed reading about your mother and impressed with all her talents and energy! Age 98 is amazing. We are thinking we should try for 90 now!! We are missing you , but the WillowCreek2nd Ward seems a little smaller anyway with some of us viewing from home. We had a Zoom talk today from Brother Brown, so it's a blessing that the zoom is available. Take care and know we are thinking of you both. Love, R&H


    - Rosalie & Howard Pierson