Ruth Clark Done, loving wife, mother and friend; passed away at the Millard Care Center in Delta, Utah on July 26, 2022 at the grand age of 102. " Ruthie" was born on February 24, 1920 in Hinckley, Utah to Richard Garland and Vivian Alldredge Talbot Clark. Her parents were among the first settlers of the West Millard area, when the government was handing out land for free to brave souls willing to domesticate the empty regions of the Western United States. Arriving from California with just a circus tent for shelter, the Clark family made a new home on a farmstead north of Sugarville; and, in time, bringing in many more relatives to become a foundation of the town. When Ruth was older she caught the eye of a handsome young man working with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and she married Harold Jesse “Boots” Done on November 23, 1936 in Fillmore, Utah.
Ruth was invaluable in assisting Harold as he grew the family farm piece by piece. Eventually their business expanded to include running a farm machinery dealership, and later on an automobile dealership. Ruth served as an able bookkeeper in all these ventures.
Ruth was a sweet and caring wife, mother and friend. She would do anything to help her neighbors and enjoyed the abundant friendships she has made over her many years. She enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. She was an excellent seamstress. Ruth was a wonderful mother, and was the kind of woman always willing to step in to guide and support any child that needed some extra motherly attention.
Ruth was very patriotic. In the 1960's, she grew concerned about making sure U.S. servicemen received proper recognition. She assisted a local scout, working on his eagle project, by identifying all the servicemen in the cemetery in order to post flags by their headstones on Memorial Day, and making a large donation to create the Veteran’s Monument in the Delta Cemetery. Because of her efforts she was recognized as an honorary member of the Post #135 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
After her husband passed away on March 8, 1995, Ruth continued to find ways to contribute to her community. A major accomplishment was to research, author and publish a book of memories about the settlement of the Pahvant Valley named “Yonder Will Be Better”. She published this book at 88 years of age. A reviewer commented, “The attributes of strength and fortitude have surfaced and encouraged her to reach the completion of *this challenging work*.” She was a lovely woman that gave courage, hope and wisdom to all, with a ready smile and a twinkle in her eye.
Ruth is survived by daughter: Virginia (Tom) Toguchi; grandchildren: Nellie Iverson (John) Mitchell: Robert (Dawn) Stephenson; Michael (Heidi) Stephenson; great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband: Harold; and daughter: Elaine (Ron) Sanden.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 5 at 12:00 noon, at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 S Center St. Those unable to attended in person are invited to view the recorded video of the Memorial Service . Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.