Ruth Jane Armstrong Lambert

1933 ~ 2023

Obituary Photo for Ruth Jane Armstrong Lambert < >

Ruth Jane Armstrong Lambert, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on March 30, 2023, at the age of 90. She was known to her friends as Ruth, her cousins and Ephraim folk as Ruth Jane, and lovingly referred to as Mom and Grandma by her children and grandchildren. She lived a full and happy life that she greatly loved.
Born to Roger Chauncy Armstrong (RC) and Phyllis Rasmuson on January 29, 1933, in Ephraim, UT, Ruth learned to love the quiet town of Ephraim, running up and down the streets with friends, schoolmates and her best friend and older sister Mitzi. She attended Snow College and later Utah State and BYU, and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.
On a blind date, Ruth met Calvin Arnold Lambert, who she would marry soon after in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on June 15, 1958. They were a devoted pair who raised their four sons and one daughter on the foundation of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Although Mom loved being a schoolteacher, she was dedicated to being a wife and homemaker. She was a wonderful mom who loved her husband and children unconditionally and with great patience.
Mom and Dad gave their children a great life that was full of experiences and traveled the world together – a gift that they shared with many others throughout the years through Cal’s travel business. Mom always looked forward to her and Dad’s annual trips to Hawaii. She loved all the many summer family trips over the years, including San Diego, Jackson Hole, Bear Lake, and Jeremy Ranch but San Diego was her favorite.
Mom absolutely loved getting her hair done every week and treasured her weekly trips with Mitzi and her niece, Sharon, which often included trips to Wendy's and the dollar movie theater. She always cherished time spent in-person and over the phone with her sweet sisters, Mitzi, Louise, and Jean, and her brother, Fred.
She hosted numerous family gatherings which were always planned with great care and close attention to the details. Everyone looked forward to her famous lemon bars, chicken stuffing casserole, raspberry jam and her slush she served on special occasions. Mom and Dad gave all of their family treatment worthy of fine hotels, but Mom was known most for her genuine care and interest in each of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and even neighbors. She was an expert at remembering the details of everyone’s life and what was important to each of them.
Mom also showed her love and dedication to family during the final years of her mother Phyllis’ life, which required daily care and support from Ruth and her sister Mitzi for many years. Mom always made sure Phyllis had company, an ice cream bar, and a fresh squeezed orange juice.
We are extra grateful for the sweet way she cared for and ministered to Dad for the last six years of his life, which required learning to care for the business and management of their home on her own – not an easy task for an 80-year-old, but one she did with grace and without complaint. Mom took care of and cherished every day she had with Dad.
As her own health declined over the last several years, Mom was not able to do all the cooking, cleaning, and preparation she desired, but never lost her love and interest in the individual relationships she had with so many. Family and friends were still always welcome in her home. Mom was always supportive to all of us individually and rarely spoke about herself. Big gatherings became difficult for Mom but she made them happen because she knew her family loved being together. Mom cherished small personal visits and phone calls, which became her favorite thing in recent years. She became our connection to all news and activity throughout the family and old neighborhood. Mom would often say, “Not much news but some say no news is good news.” Some of her other favorite phrases included “Do something for yourself”, “By the inch it’s a cinch but by the yard it’s hard” and “I’m not getting older, I’m getting better!”
In recent years, Mom became a passionate fan of the Utah Jazz and rarely missed watching a game. Mom regularly wore her Jazz shirt, knew the roster inside and out, and was extra excited and vocal while watching the team – especially when they struggled. Watching games on TV with Mom was a blast, and you could always count on Cinnamon Bears, M&M’s, chocolate licorice, gummy bears, or Reese’s, and after the game, a healthy dish of ice cream.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Roger and Phyllis Armstrong, sisters Mitzi Osborne and Louise Bryner, her husband Cal and son-in law Rick Clark. She is the last Lambert in the line of Thomas and Pearl Lambert to pass away, but she hopes the next generation of her family will continue the legacy and example that her and Dad set for each of us.
Ruth is survived by her children: David Lambert (Joy), Rich Lambert (Sandy), Greg Lambert (Julie), Julie Clark, and Steven Lambert (Heather), brother Fred Armstrong (Laura), sister Jean Campbell, 21 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Although she has left this earth, she will not be forgotten.
As Ruth’s family, we are incredibly grateful for everyone who made her life so fulfilling and did so much for her in recent years. Sincere thanks to the staff at Petersen Farms Assisted Living in South Weber, UT, for their empathetic and genuine care over the last several months. Big thanks go out to Clair and Julia Hopkins for all of their kindnesses and generous friendship they extended to Mom. The family also shares our deepest gratitude to Ned and Alene Mangelson, who were Mom and Dad’s neighbors for close to 50 years. Ned and Alene were the best neighbors on earth, especially when Mom was alone. There are no words that express the gratitude we have for those mentioned here and ALL of the wonderful people who provided such Christ-like love so freely.
Funeral services will be held Saturday April 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Monument Park Stake Center church building located at 1320 South Wasatch Drive in Salt Lake City, UT. There will also be a visitation for friends and family from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. preceding the funeral services.


Guestbook/Condolences

We loved your mom and dad! Cal was our home teacher for many years and he was kind and diligent. Our children learned much from him . On one of his last visits before he passed, he brought Rod and me 2 large Snickers candy bars.
He remarked, “Ruth and I put the Snickers candy bars in the fridge and every morning we cut one in half and eat it together. This has kept us together and made us happy all these years!”
I was a Visiting teacher to Ruth many years also. She was an angel and truly gracious in every way. We will miss her, but we are joyful for her reunion with Cal! Wonderful people! Love, Rod and Bobbi Snow


- Rod and Bobbi’s Snow

I didn't get a chance to personally meet Ms. Ruth but I wanted to send my condolences to the family on behalf of Heather and the family I met sometime last year and I am praying for comfort peace and strength through this time in your life. She is resting now and wants her children to also be ok and know that she is ok and with the love of her life.


- Wanda Austin

We too hope that we, the next generation, can carry on the legacy that Aunt Ruth and Uncle Cal set for us. They were a very special couple and a great example in the lives of their extended family. The love they showed to each of us will live on in our lives.


- Tom & JoAnn Lambert

We have known and loved Ruth for many years, and her dear Calvin, and their children. My wife Sandra was her Liberty Park "walking partner" for some time. She was sweet and loving, and we have missed seeing her in recent years. The family can be proud of the memories of this loving soul.


- Don Allen

While we don’t often get to know our friends grandparents, both of us had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with Ruth and her family, for an few occasions. Ruth always made us feel so welcome and a part of her family. Her kindness and thoughtfulness was truly unparalleled. We both send our sincerest sympathies and condolences, and will keep everyone in our thoughts.


- Collin Wear and Megan Klar

We will always treasure our memory and association with Ruth and Cal. Her warm smile and gentle way together with his smile and "hugs" have blessed all our lives. The trips, parties, and events they planned, organized and hosted will be forever remembered. We are happy they are now together again.


- Charee and Dave Harrison

To our dear Lambert Family,
The beautiful and loving tribute at Ruth's memorial service yesterday was perfect for a special lady. The words and lovely music were tender and touching. Ruth will always be remembered by us as a kind, warm, gracious, and thoughtful neighbor and friend. How much we love each one of you. We have missed those years we had together in the Monument Park 13th Ward. Cal and Ruth were true examples of "goodly parents" and were greatly loved by the Burnett Family.


- LaRetta Burnett Arabasz

What a beautiful service for Ruth Jane today. I am so grateful for the memories I have of her and the sweetness of every interaction I had with her over the years. When Michael was attending CBTU in Salt Lake City in the early 1980s, I was lucky enough to spend time with Phyllis, Mitzi, Ruth Jane, and Elaine. I will always treasure those times. Our family also loves Tab, cinnamon bears, and brown licorice!!! We love you all and are so grateful for ties that bind us together forever. God bless each one of you.


- Robert and Rae Ann Rasmuson Tibbs