Ruth Hansen Nielson

A Remarkable Life 

Ruth Hansen Nielson, a grand lady of 103 passed away peacefully on July 27, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and dedication. 

Born on November 13th, 1920, in Elsinore, Utah, Ruth was a cherished daughter of Anena Andersen Hansen and Louis Hansen. She was the second youngest in a family of eleven children, having nine brothers and one sister. Her full Danish pioneer heritage was a source of immense pride for her.  

Ruth’s early years were spent in Elsinore and later in Salt Lake City where she graduated from West High School. She navigated the challenges of the Great Depression as a young girl and the turmoil of World War II in her twenties. These years were marked by resilience, resourcefulness, frugality, and a strong commitment to supporting one another through difficult times. As a graduate of the University of Utah in 1942, Ruth was a standout athlete, playing on the university’s women’s basketball team as an all-star at just 5’3”. She was also a pioneer in skiing, competing in downhill races, and she earned a pilot’s license with dreams of serving as a WASP during the war. She spoke fondly of working at the State Capital in the Attorney General's Office. 

Ruth’s vibrant personality and independence meant she was never short of suitors. Her excuse to proposals was simply that she was too young to marry (even into her late 20s). At age 29 she met and married her sweetheart, J. Grant Nielson, of Springville, Utah. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. She moved to Springville where she spent most of her life. Her personality as a strong woman carried into motherhood while raising eight children (6 sons, and 2 daughters). Motherhood was her greatest joy, and she often remarked it was the happiest time in her life. She was a formidable force for goodness. She was adamant that her children be kind to everyone. She taught them to have faith by showing her faith. She also taught her children to be good citizens. Thus she created a beautiful legacy as a much-beloved matriarch. 

Ruth and Grant embraced life to the fullest, exploring many countries together and sharing countless local adventures with their travel trailer. Ruth, with her boundless energy, found joy in working in her yard spending most summer hours outdoors. In contrast to their otherwise frugal life, Grant lovingly indulged her love of collecting ceramic figurines especially when they traveled. Her positive outlook on life equipped her to navigate the 33 years she spent as a widow with fortitude and grace.  

Her wisdom along with her quick wit can never be replaced. Her excellent advice and perfect perspective of life, with slightly embellished storytelling, always offered hope, love, and reassurance. She could find humor in anything. She made everyone around her, including her dear Springville neighbors and friends feel loved and included. 

Her 38 grandchildren and 66 great grandchildren adore her. She made each one feel uniquely loved and cherished. That was her special gift. She deeply loved her siblings and in-laws and did not want to be the last leaf on the tree, although that was her lot for many years. The first passing of a sibling was 111 years ago, and the most recent to pass was 21 years ago. 

Service and hard work were the hallmarks of Ruth’s life. She served as a temple worker at the Provo Temple until age 98, a docent at the Springville Museum of Art into her mid-90s, and a volunteer at the Springville Senior Citizens Center until age 100. She was a member of the Cultural Arts Club and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She never let a day go by without doing something kind for a neighbor or friend.  

Ruth was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her fervent love of the Gospel guided her life in every respect. She served as Relief Society president and Primary president. She was never without a calling in the church.  

When asked on her 100th birthday about the secret to her success, Ruth humbly attributed it to her parents, saying, “Don’t you know, it’s really who you are born to. I was just lucky.” She honored them throughout her life. 

Ruth is survived by seven children; Robert (Margo), Jan (Lynn) Robbins, Scott (Karen), Douglas, Gregory (Terrie), Brad, and Patrice (Kevin) Laurence. Ruth was preceded in death by her son Richard, age 11, her husband Grant, her siblings Mildred (Dan) Andersen, Lonzo (Ruth), Waldo (Loa), Ray (LaVerne), Kenneth (Helen), Robert, Merrill, Lee (Miki), Grant (Rita), Kay (Nancy). She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication that will continue to inspire all who knew her. 

She spent her final years at Covington Senior Living in Farmington where she was cared for with great love.  

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the church building located at 355 East Center Street, Springville, Utah. A viewing will be held at the church prior to the service from 9:30 -10:45 a.m. Interment Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 South 400 East in Springville, Utah. 

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.

Services will also be streamed on Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82227939704?pwd=DdPnyf3kakDGMaeAbF5C2ecYnzbfho.1