Ruth Munns Bingham

Ruth Munns Bingham, loving and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend, passed away at her home in Honeyville, Utah on Saturday, March 1, 2003. She was 87. Ruth was born on September 4, 1915, in Garland, Utah, a daughter of Archie Austin and Charlotte Ann Abel Munns. She was the oldest of 12 children. She moved to Elwood, Utah, in 1920 and attended the Elwood District School. In 1933, she graduated from Bear River High School and L.D.S. Seminary, receiving a scholarship and completing her schoolwork in three years. She attended Utah State Agricultural College and Brigham Young University, certifying to teach school. She taught first through third grades as well as music and dancing at Grouse Creek, Perry and Honeyville. While teaching school in Honeyville, she met Albert F. Bingham, son of B.A. and Eva Viola Stratford Bingham. They were married for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple on July 13, 1939. She was a devoted and supportive wife for 64 years. Ruth and Albert celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July of 1999. Ruth was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many positions of responsibility and leadership in the Church. These included organist, chorister, a teacher in the Primary, M.I.A., Sunday School, and Relief Society. She served as President of the Honeyville Ward Primary, Stake Primary Counselor and Stake Primary President. She was ward organist for 25 years and was a ward and stake family history consultant/Supervisor. She served in the community as a member of the Civic Club, the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, PTA , and completed posts in the Utah Republican Party. She was a great supporter of scouting and initiated the cub-scouting program in Honeyville. In 1975 the Lake Bonneville Council of the BSA awarded her the Silver Beaver Award. Her greatest passion was her love for children, especially her own. She was the mother of twelve and a foster mother to seven Indian Placement children and to many other children placed in her home. She loved to sew and did beautiful handwork. She loved flowers and yard work. She enjoyed teaching private piano and vocal lessons. She played the saxophone, piano, and organ. She loved singing, dancing, reading, and was a wonderful teacher with a desire to write books for children. She had a great love for family history work. Surviving are her husband, Albert F. Bingham and her twelve children, Barbara Gary Stacey, Annette Jay Lillywhite, Marva Tom Priday; Lorin Sherry,Kent Shirley,Ivan Marti, Mark Sherry, Rex Sue, Carl, Glade Elaine, Marlon Ronda, Evan Amy, Bingham; as well as 62 grandchildren, 94 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. She is also survived by seven brothers and three sisters: Edna DeWitt Grandy Charlotte Garth Parkinson; Mary Frank Gardner; Reed Ruth; Farrell Burnice; Orlin Opalgene; Lysle LaRue; Shelley Joyce; Austin Barbara; and Paul Meg, Munns. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Rohland, one granddaughter, Angela, and one son-in-law, Jay. The family wishes to thank those who have helped with the loving care of their dear wife and mother. Friends may call at Honeyville Chapel Wednesday evening, March 5, 6-8 p.m., March 6, 9:00-10:00 a.m. Funeral services will be held at the Honeyville First Ward on Thursday, March 6, 11 a.m. with Bishop Blair Perry officiating. Interment will be at the Honeyville Cemetery.