Virginia Ruesch

Virginia Ruesch passed away on February 24, 2024. Her passing was in total Virginia fashion—peaceful and ladylike, quiet and when she was ready. She was a tenacious lady who hung on with all she had, programmed to her core to survive as long as possible.

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We are grateful to have had her for over 98 years and especially grateful she retained good health and a sharp mind. She could have beat all y’all in Harry Potter and Golden Girls trivia through last week.

Viriginia was born on December 24, 1925 in Fairview, Utah. She was her dad’s favorite Christmas present. She grew up in the tiny town of Indianola, Utah where she tended sheep, rode horseback, and took care of the garden. She was the youngest living child of George and Nancy Peterson and the sister of Andrew, Mary Ann, Wallace, Ada, Rayfield, Rachel, Dean, and Omah, all of whom preceded her in death.

She was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was 8 years old in the Manti temple, and loved and cherished the gospel throughout her life, even attending church the Sunday before her passing. She served in many callings over the years, including in the Relief Society presidency, young women’s, and primary.

She married Ned Ruesch after a courtship full of weekend dances in Manti, visits to the Mt. Pleasant ice cream parlor, and car rides. They were married on January 22, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple and moved to Salt Lake City. They were a beautiful match. He was a diesel mechanic, and she was a homemaker. She loved fashion and pretty things, never had a hair out of place, and loved to decorate her home.

They welcomed their firstborn son, Larry, their first daughter, Diane, and their youngest daughter, LaNette. Some of her hardest trials in life were related to bringing children into this world, and she savored and counted her blessings of her three wonderful kids every day. Virginia’s greatest joy was raising her family.

She loved to travel and take trips with friends and family. She would ride as a passenger on Ned’s motorcycle while reading books as they enjoyed this beautiful country. They also loved to camp and began an annual family camping tradition in 1955 with Ned’s siblings up Fairview Canyon every summer, a tradition which continues still today even though the original generation has all passed away.

Virginia has 10 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. Many of their most cherished and joyful memories stem from the annual camping trip. She had a special and unique spot in her heart for every one of her children and grandchildren, making them all feel like they were the most precious creation on this earth. She exuded love and interest to all of us. She asked specific questions about our lives right up to the end because she genuinely loved and supported us. Her love was unconditional and that has carried us all in various ways over the years.

She was a huge fan of the Utah Jazz, and in true Virginia fashion, she loved them, too, even though they just can’t seem to win a championship.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband, her daughter-in-law, Kay, and her great granddaughter, Anastasia. She is survived by her children, Larry (Kay), Diane, and LaNette (Jim), and their children and grandchildren.

There will be a viewing and funeral on Saturday, March 2 at the LDS church at 5750 S Nena Way in Murray, Utah, a church which Ned helped to build. The viewing will be held at 9AM, followed by a funeral service at 11AM. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy, Utah.

We love you mom and grandma. We’re full of joy for these many years of love and also feel joy for you as you are reunited with your family on the other side.