Ruth Emma Peterson McMillan Richins Brown

Ruth Emma Peterson McMillan Richins Brown passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at the age of 103. She lived an extraordinary life marked by resilience, optimism, and an unwavering devotion to family. Her life spanned more than a century of remarkable change, yet she remained grounded in the values that guided her from childhood: faith, determination, kindness, and a belief in always moving forward.

Ruth was born on September 5, 1922, in Lehi, Utah, to Virgil and Leota Peterson. She was the second of six children and spent her childhood on the family farm during the Great Depression. From a young age, she learned the value of responsibility, perseverance, and contributing to the well-being of her family. She often recalled that her family did not have indoor plumbing until she was thirteen years old. Although those years were not easy, Ruth remembered them fondly, grateful for a family that always found a way to provide, share with others, and remain close through life’s challenges.

She attended school in Lehi throughout her childhood and graduated from Lehi High School, where she was known for her participation in school plays and was voted “Most Outstanding” by her classmates. Following graduation, she moved to Salt Lake City and attended LDS Business College, where she excelled in her studies and developed skills that would serve her throughout her life.

Ruth married George Richard (Dick) McMillan, and together they built a life centered on family, community, and shared purpose. They were blessed with four children, Georgia, Greg, Vicki and Kelly. Together they owned and operated a bowling and sporting goods pro shop, where much of the family worked and learned the value of hard work and running a business. Following Dick’s passing, Ruth embarked on new chapters in life and was later married twice more, ultimately outliving all three of her husbands.

Throughout her life, Ruth held many jobs and remained active and engaged in her community. Among her accomplishments, she was especially proud of being the first Lehi Rodeo Queen, owning and operating a small business, and working in management at the University of Utah’s Union Building. She approached every responsibility with dedication and professionalism and earned the respect and admiration of those around her.

One of Ruth’s greatest joys was Bear Lake, her “happy place”. She and her family built a cabin there that became a treasured gathering place for generations of family and friends. The cabin was more than a vacation home—it was a place where memories were made, traditions were established, and relationships were strengthened. Ruth continued spending summers at Bear Lake throughout her life, enjoying the beauty of the lake and the company of those she loved.

Ruth believed in staying busy and making the most of every day. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, traveling, embroidery, reading, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends. Whether she was tending to her yard, cheering on her favorite team, or visiting with loved ones at the lake, she found joy in life’s simple blessings.

Her greatest accomplishment, however, was her family. Ruth was deeply proud of the generations that followed her and found tremendous happiness in watching her family grow and thrive. Ruth was the cherished matriarch of her family that grew to span five generations, providing guidance, strength and unconditional love. Ruth’s family tree consisted of four children, fourteen grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren, and twenty-five great-great-grandchildren, along with countless extended family members, friends, and neighbors whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

When asked the secret to her longevity, Ruth credited daily routines, staying active, and always finding a reason to keep moving forward. Those who knew her would add her positive attitude, strength of character, and enduring love for family to that list.

Ruth often shared her personal motto: “Live your life looking forward, not backward because you cannot do anything about the past. My daily motto is, onward and upward.” Those words perfectly capture the spirit with which she lived her life.

Her legacy of perseverance, optimism, independence, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her example lives on in the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched throughout her 103 remarkable years.

We love you dearly and we will miss you always. Rest in peace until we meet again.

Ruth is survived by three of her four children, Greg (Suzanne) McMillan, Vicki (David) Hollingsworth, Kelly (Joan) McMillan, her sister Lueen (Don) Kirkham Wright, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love. She was preceded in death by her husband’s George Richard McMillan, Ray Richins, Howard Brown, daughter Georgia Bickmore Dummer, parents Virgil and Leota Peterson, along with three brothers, one sister, one granddaughter, and one great granddaughter.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the caregivers, healthcare professionals, friends, and loved ones who provided Ruth with such compassionate and loving care during her final years. Your kindness and friendship brought her great joy and comfort. We will always be grateful.

Funeral services at Wasatch Lawn Memorial, 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek UT on Friday June 19th, 2026. Viewing scheduled at 10:00 AM, Funeral at 11:00 AM, interment to follow.