Ruth Wasden's Obituary
Ruth Wasden passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday April 20, 2022. She was 94 years old and ready to go back home to heaven. Ruth was so looking forward to being with her husband Blaine Wasden and her parents Milton and Cora Christensen.
Ina “Ruth” Christensen Wasden was born October 15, 1927 to Erastus Milton Christensen and Cora Myrtle Monson Christensen in Shelley, Idaho. Growing up in Idaho Falls, Ruth attended and lived across the street from Emerson Elementary School. She loved to go with her father to watch the workers at the Idaho Falls Temple building site. Milton was the chief resident engineer for this beautiful edifice. Ruth experienced the hardships of the Great Depression and trials of World War II throughout her childhood. These experiences contributed to her thrifty and saving nature.
Ruth graduated from Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. Two years later she graduated Brigham Young University with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. While at BYU Ruth met and married Blaine Johnson Wasden on September 16, 1948 in the Idaho Falls Temple. She taught one year at Maeser Elementary in Provo, Utah while Blaine completed his Masters Degree from BYU.
Ruth and Blaine moved to and taught in San Diego, California, Santaquin and Lakeshore, Utah before settling in South Salt Lake. After their daughter Jean joined the family, Ruth stayed home to raise her. Daughter Carol and son David Blaine were later added to the happy family. After Blaine suffered from two heart attacks, Ruth returned to teaching. She taught second through fourth grade at Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson Elementary Schools in Granite School District. She loved her students and greatly enjoyed enlightening their minds and building their character.
Ruth suffered from a badly deformed lower spine her entire life. Even though she was in constant, intense pain, she continued to serve others and care for her family. She also loved to tat handkerchiefs and later in life crocheted edges on fleece blankets. She gave away hundreds of these to thank people and brighten their lives. Ruth loved to read books!
After retirement, Ruth and Blaine had the great privilege of serving as ordinance workers for 14 years in Salt Lake Temple. They loved being in the temple and serving others. Ruth was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all her life. She fulfilled many church callings including Primary President, Junior Sunday School Coordinator, Relief Society teacher, and Relief Society Secretary and Counselor.
Ruth was preceded in death by her dear husband, Blaine Johnson Wasden; her parents; brothers Lyle and Dale Christensen; sisters Merle Young, Ellaree Howard, and Colleen Evans. She is survived by her brother Richard "Dick" Christensen of Walnut Creek, California; her brother-in-law Bruce Wasden (Joan) of Taylorsville, Utah; her three children: Jean Corey (Dave) of Sandy, Utah; Carol Sanchez (Andre) of Kearns, Utah; and David Blaine Wasden (Kathy) of Peachtree Corners, Georgia. She also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ruth will be laid to rest at a graveside service on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Murray City Cemetery. The service will begin at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your favorite charity.
Ruth’s influence will continue to be felt for years and generations to come. She was truly an elect lady and wonderful Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother.
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