Ruby Rydalch Larsen

On October 24, 2024, in the quiet presence of family, Ruby Rydalch Larsen departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, endless love, and selfless service. Born on September 5, 1937, in Murray, Utah, to Robert and Adena Rydalch, Ruby was a woman whose life radiated warmth and grace, a true daughter of her time, embodying values that will live on in those who knew her.

Ruby grew up in Hunter, attending Whittier Elementary, Valley Junior High, and Cyprus High School. In 1953, she married her loving husband, Shirley Ross Larsen, a union that blossomed into a loving family over the decades. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Jordan River Temple on January 17, 1992, reflecting her deep and abiding devotion to her faith. Together, they raised five cherished children: Julie Renteria (Pepe), Wallace Larsen (Diane), James, Scott, and Anna Goodfellow (Kelly). Ruby’s love for her family was boundless, and to her children, she was not only a mother but their most dedicated supporter, and always showing kindness and encouragement.

Her faith was the anchor of her life. As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ruby served with joy and dedication. In her life she led various church auxiliaries, offering her strength and compassion to uplift others, but found her truest fulfillment as a temple worker at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, where her hands and heart were devoted to sacred service. Ruby also felt a special calling to work with the youth, investing her time and love in helping them grow in faith and resilience.

Her care for young people extended beyond church walls. Ruby spent countless hours working in schools, most memorably as the attendance secretary at Hunter High School. Her warmth and kindness touched the lives of countless students, and she found true joy in this role, greeting each day with a welcoming smile and a heart ready to help.

Her family blossomed over the years, bringing her immense pride and joy. Ruby was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, each one a precious light in her life. Ruby instilled the importance of family traditions that always made her family feel connected to one another. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew her as their biggest fan and unwavering advocate, celebrating birthdays with thoughtful shopping trips and lunches, cheering from the sidelines at every game, recital, and event. Her handmade quilts, crafted with love for weddings, births, and special occasions, will remain as treasured keepsakes, a testament to her enduring love and care.

Ruby’s zest for life filled every room she entered. She loved reading, sewing, and exploring different places with her family. Well into her eighties, she could be found in yoga and Zumba classes, inspiring those around her with her energy and spirit. Ruby was an active participant of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers since 2007 and served as a captain for the organization since 2013. A dedicated fan of the Utah Jazz and the University of Utah, she cheered her teams and family members on with unmatched enthusiasm, her competitive spirit lighting up any gathering. Ruby’s voice constantly filled a home with songs and poems taught to her by her mother in childhood. Her wisdom and memory will live on in the stories she shared, a thread connecting past to present. Her life, filled with resilience, joy, and faith, was a beacon to all who knew her. Ruby was kind to her core and expressed it to everyone she encountered. Her greatest legacy is her service. Ruby was always the first to show up and help anyone in any way they needed. Her lifelong service was reciprocated to Ruby and her family in her final months by the angels our family has come to know as Mela Katoa, Tiala Tupola, Kika Feao and Fusi Taukolo. They showed up and cared for Ruby with the same fierceness and tenderness that Ruby showed in her life. We thank them endlessly and will forever be grateful for the phenomenal women who cared for our ultimate caregiver.

Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Robert Rydalch and Frank Rydalch; sister-in-law Jeanne Rydalch; sisters Barbara Boynton and Nancy Hancock; and her sweet angel face granddaughter Ashley Renteria. Ruby is survived by sister: Karen Kearns (Tom); Brother: Clyde Rydalch (Ialien); sister-in-laws: Joan Burnside, Sandy Rydalch; and brother-in-laws: Larry Boynton and Joe Hancock.

Ruby had the utmost faith, and we are sure she is having a beautiful reunion with people she’s spent years missing. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and strength, her spirit living on in the hearts of her family and friends. To know her was to be touched by grace, and though she has left this world, her spirit remains a quiet, eternal light guiding us forward with love.

Ruby’s life will be celebrated with a viewing on November 3rd from 6 PM - 8 PM. We will also have a viewing from 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM on November 4th, followed by her funeral service at 12 PM. All services located at 8181 W, Breeze Dr, Magna, UT 84044. Interment to follow at the Valley View Memorial Park.