Ruth Deon Peterson Lichfield, age 81, passed away November 14, 2016 at her home in Fillmore, Utah. She was born on March 26, 1935 in Fillmore, Utah, the third of six children born to John LaVar and Hortense Harmon Peterson. Ruth grew up as a hard worker and family peacekeeper. She graduated from Millard High School, where she was outstanding in volleyball and drama. She put herself through college by working every summer as a waitress at “Café Ilene”. She graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelors of Education. While there, she met a handsome young man, and married Joseph Thomas Lichfield on June 20, 1958 in the Manti LDS Temple. Her first home was a tent in the High Uintas, while Joseph completed his schooling. In 1959, they moved to Tooele and she began teaching Home Ec. They moved to Richfield in 1967, where she taught Home Ec at the Junior High. They finally settled in St. Johns, Arizona in 1972, where she taught Home Ec, Phys Ed, and was a coach until she retired in 1998. After she retired, they moved back home to Fillmore. Joseph died shortly after on July 11, 2000.
Ruth was a wonderful mother to her two sons, teaching them to love their Heavenly Father and supported them in all they did. She enjoyed being outdoors, managing her big garden and fruit trees, canning, sewing, and spending time with her kids and grandkids. She loved the kids she taught and always tried to be a positive influence in the their lives. She was a member of the LDS Church, serving as a scout leader, in Primary, and as Relief Society President. She was voted Club Woman of the Year by the East Millard Fine Arts Guild, member of the Pink Ladies and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
Our family thanks all the doctors and nurses from Fillmore Community Medical Center, and IHC Home Health for the wonderful care and support they gave Ruth and our family. We also thank all the friends and family that have shown love and support during the final years of her life.
Ruth is survived by her sons: Scott (Debbie) Lichfield, Fillmore; Steven (Melinda) Lichfield, Kaysville; grandkids: Feliz, Robert, Maria, Susan, Julia, Michael, Alina; great-grandkids: Christopher, Axton, Maya, Daniel; brother: John (Corinne) Peterson; sister: Bobette Bushnell; sister-in-law: Sherry Paxton; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband: Joseph; grandchildren: Carl and Anastasia; sisters: Cherill (Ellis), and Larayne; brother: Robert; brothers-in-law: Dwight Bushnell and Bob Frome.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 19, 11:00 AM, at the Fillmore 4th Ward Chapel, 290 East 500 South. Viewings will be held at the Fillmore 500 South LDS Church on Friday, 6:00-8:00 PM; and Saturday, 9:30-10:40 AM prior to the service. Burial will be in the Fillmore City Cemetery.