Ruth Elizabeth Schiess Hansen

Ruth Schiess Hansen, 96, of Amalga, Utah, passed away peacefully in her home August 13, 2003 due to natural causes. Ruth was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by family, neighbors and friends. Ruth was born February 1, 1907 in Providence Utah, the fifth child of eight children to John ?K? Schiess and Katherine Gessel Schiess. Ruth married Vagn W. Hansen of Amalga, December 4, 1929 in the Logan Latter-day Saints Temple. They were the parents of five sons: Richard LuDean, Amalga, UT, Keith Carroll, Amalga, UT Sheridan Annette, Cedar City, UT, Sidney Maridene, Amalga, UT, and Dean Relle, St. George, UT. She was proceeded in death, by her husband, parents, and sisters; Florence Schiess, Rachel Christensen, Olive Anna Schiess, and Lillie Sears; two brothers, John Jack and Frederick Fritz Schiess, a daughter-in-law, Carol Woodruff Hansen; an infant granddaughter; and grandson-in-law, Scott Lewis. She is survived by her sons and one sister, Margaret Christiansen of Camby, Oregon. Ruth and Vagn have a great posterity, she is also survived by 29 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Following her marriage to Vagn, Ruth moved to Amalga where she lived all of her life, with the exception of two summers during the great depression when she and Vagn moved to Susanville, California for work. Ruth enjoyed a wonderful life. While her sight was still good, she loved to cook, bake, and preserve food. Her baked goods were famous. Her spudnuts, cookies and cinnamon rolls were delivered to family and neighbors, who still talk about the delicious treats she made. Her preserves were often entered in competitions and always received the highest honors at the local and state fair. All of Ruth?s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly treasure her handiwork. The pillowcases, handkerchiefs, afghans and quilts she crafted are a beautiful reminder of how much of her time was spent thinking of others. Her creations were once the gifts she remembered birthdays and special occasions with. Although she was blind the last few years of her life, her loss of sight did not prevent her from remembering others. Her memory was keen to the very end of her life. To her last day, every birthday, anniversary and special occasion of family and friends was acknowledged. As a resident of Amalga, and a member of the Amalga Latter-day Saints Ward, Ruth served in many capacities, including the Primary, Junior Sunday School and Relief Society. She was also involved in many community activities. She enjoyed attending church and was grateful for the kindness of the people of the Amalga Ward and town. She was able to live in her home until her death thanks to her family and good friends. Her practical approach to life, great sense of humor, quick wit, sharp mind and contagious laugh continued to draw people to her. Prior to Vagn?s death in January 1991, Ruth and Vagn traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Many of their trips were taken with family or their cherished friends they met through the Smithfield Lions Club. Ruth was a member of the Smithfield Lady Lions Club for over forty years and twice served as their president. Her commitment to service shows in the lives of her sons and their accomplishments and contributions to church, community and family. Ruth loved her country and was honored that all five of her sons served in the military. Some of Ruth?s favorite things were listening to the Lawrence Welk Show and books on tape. She also enjoyed socializing with friends in a birthday club she belonged to for over sixty years. Her greatest joy was visits from family, and celebrating life events and activities with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held in the Amalga Ward Chapel, 6521 North 2400 West, Amalga, at Noon on Monday, August 18, 2003. Friends and family may call on Sunday evening, August 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield, and at the Amalga Ward Chapel from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Internment will be at the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Ruth can be made to the Utah State Library for the Blind and Handicapped, 250 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116-7901.