Ruth C. Stewart

Ruth Caroline Skoglund Stewart came into this world on a snowy day in Victor, Colorado, March 18, 1926. Her family lived in Canon City and consisted of father John, mother Violet, three half sisters, Ruby, Harriet and Lucille, whose mother had died of tuberculosis; brother, John, and sister Vivian.

Her family loved music. She began playing for Sunday School in third grade. Sunday evenings her aunt, uncle and cousins would come to her house so they could sing all the hymns as Ruth played. Ruth loved the memories! This talented, young musician played for school events, special programs, and Rainbow Girls. She played a full recital in eighth grade, then one each succeeding year until she graduated from high school. She earned her Teaching Certificate from St. Scholastica Academy for high school graduation.

Ruth attended Ottawa University in Kansas, The American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and University of California Northridge and joined Sigma Alpha Iota – Gamma Chapter.

Before she was married, her goal was to be a professional accompanist. That goal was not accomplished, yet she felt she had an even more fulfilling life having her what she called “her lovely family”, and many exciting experiences through her musical knowledge. Besides her sweetheart Frank, she had many children, grandchildren and family of the heart.

One day as Ruth was running around with her best friend Vonda Jean, a cute guy caught her eye. Vonda Jean’s big brother Frank was a fascinating “older man”. Soon, he was allowing her to drive his new car. Being extremely social, she rounded up a bunch of girlfriends, and they had “fun, fun, fun” until she drove it into the wall of the penitentiary! He must have been totally dazzled by her, because even after that, he asked her to marry him. Frank C. Stewart and Ruth C. Skoglund became one on October 6, 1946. They both loved the Lord and loved each other deeply. God helped them and was with them through times of joy and hardship and was glorified by their faithful lives. Nothing was more important to Ruth than her Savior Jesus Christ.

Ruth and Frank were entrepreneurs. In 1963 they partnered with Gordon and JL “Bud” Johnson to establish Turfgrass Associates and Emerald Bluegrass Sod Farms just north of Platteville, CO. Later, in 1970, they established Weld LP Gas through the generous help of Olen and Mary June Hardy. Son, J. Frank Stewart, is the current owner of Weld LP Gas.

Ruth taught piano at home until retiring in 1998. Her students were wonderful. A few went on to really excel in their music, which was a great point of satisfaction for her. She played organ and piano for churches in Canon City CO, Panorama City CA, Northridge CA, Littleton CO and Greeley CO, as well as Christian Women’s Club.

She became a member of the Taussig-Hansen Club of Denver in 1965. Taussig was a high point of her life with its charming members, their musical abilities and true professionalism. She was also a member of the Fortnightly Musical Club of Greeley. Other organizations of which she was a member included the Canon City Chapter #2 Order of The Eastern Star: and El Mejdel Temple #47 Daughters of Nile in Denver CO. She gave much time to the Shrine and Mountain Men inner bodies of the Denver Consistory. Swedish Heritage Society of Northern CO, Eaton, CO was dear to her Swedish heart.

She wanted young pianists to know to enjoy their music. Open their ears and listen. Don’t be afraid to try playing new things. Be a good “sight reader” and know your key relationships.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Jeanne (Bill), granddaughters Belinda (John) and Angela; daughter Sue (Rick), granddaughters Amberle (Nick), Lorien (Brian) and grandson Jamison; and son J. Frank, grandsons John (Brenna), Josh (Britt) and Justin; and her great grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held at 9:00 A.M. followed by services at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Allnutt Funeral Service, Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th St., Greeley, CO 80634. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Canon City, Colorado on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11:00 AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Grief Center, Gideon’s International or the Shriners Hospital for Children in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, Macy Chapel.

For information about our Compassion Helpline please contact Allnutt Funeral Service at 970-352-3366.

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