Ruth Maness

Ruth Ellen Maness

“A life of service”

1948 – 2017

BOUNTIFUL, UT and SALT LAKE, UT—Our beloved pillar, teacher, author, and giver. You left us just last week, and we miss you already.

Ruth was born in Los Angeles, CA in 1948 and was raised in Utah. She was the calmest, kindest, most giving and forgiving person on earth. Her life of service started early, spending most of high school caring for us at night and contributing money to help our parents. Ruth’s habit of giving and serving continued throughout her life, as the multitude of extended family and friends she has helped can attest.

Ruth was also the smartest. As a child, she skipped a grade and graduated high school at 16; as an adult she read and taught others to read old gothic German, and graduated BYU with majors in history and languages.

Ruth’s faith in the teachings of the LDS Church was unwavering; she served a two-year mission to West Germany, and then continued to serve the Lord as a professional genealogist at the Family History Library. At the Library she was a senior research consultant, lecturer, and instructor. She shared her research secrets through her seminars and writings, made annual sleuthing treks to Germany, and co-authored a guidebook on German and Scandinavian research.

In her scant off-times she made sure our parents had a European temple tour, visited Hawaii, and spent their last years at home. Upon retirement Ruth pursued a vice that really made her happiest: more genealogy.

Our soft-spoken Ruthie (aka Ruffles) had a giant drive to help others, which she often did at great cost to herself. She leaves us humbled, bewildered, and so very honored by her legacy of service and love.

Daughter of George and Lorene Maness (both deceased); sister of G. Raymond, Jr. (Ilene), Glenn (Caroline), James (deceased), David, Aaron (Bev), Rose (Stacy), Michael (Alysse), Celia, and Kathryn (Vince). Aunt, grand aunt, and great-grand aunt to many more. Ruth was never about her; she was always about us.

Please join the celebration of Ruth's life. Viewing on Thursday June 29, 2017, 6:00-8:00 PM at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N 400 E. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday June 30, 2017 at the Val Verda 4th Ward, 2633 S. 50 W., Bountiful, Utah, with visitation from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services. Interment at Bountiful City Cemetery.