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Ruth Olsen Melling

Ruth Olsen Melling

May 13, 1937 - Mar. 16, 2022

Date of Service: Apr. 16, 2022

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Ruth Olsen Melling

BURLEY – “Oh, crumb!” We lost a good one. But our loss is heaven’s gain. Ruth Olsen Melling, passed peacefully at the age of 84, on March 16, 2022, with her daughters at her side.

Born in Preston, Idaho, on May 13, 1937, Ruth was the eighth of nine children born to Dewey and Louise Olsen. Her parents were loving and kind and taught her the gospel of Jesus Christ by word and example. Being from a musical family, she enjoyed singing in school musicals and plays and forever loved and appreciated music.

Ruth worked at the library and telephone company to help put herself through college, where she studied hard, participated in the Sponsor Corp, and was chosen as the Delta Phi Dream Girl. There she also met Don Ray Melling. They were married August 5, 1960, in the Logan Utah Temple. Ruth graduated from Utah State University after studying early child development in preparation to teach elementary school. Don and Ruth moved to Boulder City, Nevada where they both taught school. Ruth taught various grades, later helping to put Don through Dental School in Iowa and supporting the family in the early years of building Don’s dental practice when they moved to Burley, Idaho in 1972.

In Burley, Ruth was involved in the community and her kids’ activities. An avid supporter of her six children, Ruth spent countless hours encouraging their musical efforts, supporting dance and cheerleading, and rooting from the bleachers, as well as giving her legendary lectures about life lessons and gospel principles. She was a great cook and ardent canner, producing beautiful jars of peaches, raspberries, pears, and more (blue ribbon winners at the Cassia County Fair)! Ruth tirelessly and generously prepared homemade meals for her family and anyone in need.

As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ruth served valiantly and cheerfully in many capacities. Her favorite was serving the women in the Relief Society and teaching the importance of family and following the Savior. She was known as a devoted visiting teacher and spent thousands of hours ministering to and serving others.

Ruth and Don served an 18-month proselyting and temple mission to Birmingham, England. They also enjoyed serving together in the Twin Falls Temple. Ruth continued to serve in the temple for years after Don passed away. Ruth devoted her life to the Lord and her family. She was a spiritual giant and has left a legacy of faith in Christ.

Ruth is survived by her six children, Kaye (Brady) Benham of St. George, Utah, David (Kim) Melling of Spanish Fork, Utah, Scott (Kristen) Melling of Columbus, Georgia, Kirt (Lezlie) Melling of Lehi, Utah, JaNaé (Steve) Black of Hockwold, England, and John (Marielle) Melling of Roseburg, Oregon; 31 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, James Olsen, Beth Olson, Barbara Vaterlaus, and John (Suzie) Olsen; and brother-in-law, Ferrol Simpson.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don Ray; siblings, Lynn (Beth) Olsen, Mary (Wendell) Stander, Kathryn Simpson, and Richard (Diane) Olsen; sister-in-law, Phyllis Olsen; brothers-in-law, Kirt Olson and Dean Vaterlaus; and great-grandson, Lennox Allen.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Burley LDS 3rd and 7th Ward Church, 2200 Oakley Ave. in Burley, with Bishop Cade Jones officiating.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 18, at the Cedar City Cemetery in Cedar City, Utah.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St. in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.

The family wishes to express appreciation to the Zions Way hospice workers and Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home for their compassionate care. Additionally, they convey heartfelt gratitude to the many neighbors and friends who have shown love and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please anonymously do something kind for a stranger (pay for the car behind you in the drive in), donate to your favorite charity, or give to the next young man or young woman who asks you to help with their fundraiser. When you do, think of our Mother and her life of selfless service, kindness, and love.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/W2LR-AjE6O4.

Condolences for Ruth Olsen Melling

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Jean Hamblen:
I wasn't able to attend Ruth's viewing or funeral, but was able to see the funeral on my computer. I want all of you to know how much I admire your mother. I'm sure she was very proud, and happy with you all today as you expressed your love for her. May God bless you all.
From Brian & Debra Barlow:
We are so sorry for your loss of your wonderful mother, grandmother and all of those whose lives she has been close to in your dear family. We are also so sorry that we had to miss the viewing and the time we could have spent with your family. We were out of town but will be anxious to watch her funeral. What a dear sweet lady she is and she will be missed as she has been. Our hearts, love, and prayers are with you.
From Camille and Bud Stockdale:
What a beautiful, talented, friendly, kind person, Ruth was!! Our group of High School girl friends get-togethers were such a wonderful memory for me!! Ruth was ALWAYS so happy and fun to be around!! She was an exceptional example of goodness and kindness!!! She will definitely be missed by all who knew her!!
From Patricia Maughan Kleinkopf:
I was raised in Preston and spent many happy hours in the Olsen home. Ruth's twin sister, Beth and Barbara were my best friends. We sang together in a trio in High School. I served with Ruth in the Preston England Temple in 2000 when we were both on our missions in England. I also saw Ruth several times when she came to the Twin Falls Temple where I served as an ordinance worker. I send my condolences to Ruth's family. I sure she will me missed. Love, Pat.
From Kiley P.:
Ruth was one of my favorite people! She was an amazing teacher, always willing to serve, and I always loved attending her lessons. I remember one such lesson: her slip fell down and she stopped the lesson and said something like “excuse me for a moment, I need to put myself back together again.” Then she pulled down her skirt to fix her slip, and then righted her skirt. I still smile when I think of that. I loved her!
From Kendel & Lisa Asher:
We loved Ruth. She was so talented beautiful lady. Sending prayers to all the family.
From Mary Ann Roskelley:
You mom and dad were Darrell’s and my mentors. They were wonderful examples to us of parenting, service, and always doing the right things fir the right reasons. They truly walked the walk. We loved them dearly and have so many wonderful memories of them and their family. May you be comforted in the knowledge we have of eternal companions and families.
From Betty Jane Gilbert Gambles:
Ruth is one of my dear high school friends. The "girls" as I called them would always try and meet up a couple of times a year after we all went our own ways. It was so fun to see Ruth. She has always been so vibrant and fun. The last time I seen her was at our 65th high school reunion. I will always have fond memories of her.
From Claron Buxton Haglund:
I am just finding out about Ruths passing. We have been special friends since the 6th grade and have kept in contact with each other until recently when I did try to locate her knowing her birthday was approaching. We had several super vacations with Don & Ruth. It was alwsys so fun to be with them and enjoy their company. I will cherish the memories! My love to all of the family.
From Kaye Carson:
Ruth was a beautiful person. She always smiled and talked to me at church! She made me feel special. What a wonderful example. She will be missed.
From Brian and Debra Barlow :
What a kind and beautiful mother, grandmother and friend! We are so sorry for your families loss. Know that our hearts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. We love the Mellings!
From Shelly Self:
So sorry to hear of Ruth passing. She was a very sweet n kind lady. She and Don raised some wonderful children!! John n Janae, so sorry, here is hugs from me to you!!
From Jennifer Sager:
Ruth Melling was one of the greatest ladies I’ve ever known. She will be missed. I just adored her
From Ron and Susan Holtman:
We loved working with the Mellings in the temple. They were always happy and fun to be around. We know you as family will have many happy memories of them as you are blessed to have them in your lives.
From MaryAnn Woodhouse:
I LOVE all the Mellings. Lots of memories. Your Mom was a lovely lady with a cute sense of humor. Treasure your memories
From Kyle Carpenter:
I Love Sister Melling!!
My earliest treasured Memory was 50 years ago when She invited me to her home to recite the Articles of Faith to graduate from Primary. I distinctly remember walking across the church parking lot feeling so anxious and so nervous that I wouldn’t be able to remember all the words that I had memorized. I arrived at her Home and was greeted by Sister Melling,
Sister Ruth calmed my nerves, and comforted me with Her confidence.
I genuinely felt she loved me and wanted me to do well. Her kindness made an Eternal impression upon me.
I will be forever be grateful for Her Influence as a young boy!
Her unwavering Testimony strengthened my own Testimony.
I Believe in God the Eternal Father,
And in His Son Jesus Christ, And in the Holy Ghost. I Know That in another day and time I will be able to thank Her along with many other Noble and Great Ones who have been my mentors in mortality.
I Love You Sister Melling!
From Thayne and Marilyn Buck:
Heaven gained an angel with the passing of Ruth. We also worked the same temple shift with Don and Ruth and they were such delightful people to work with, always a smile and a great attitude. Loved the apples they shared with us, they made the best apple pie ever! May all of you, as their family, have peace and comfort knowing you will be together again someday. May the Lord's blessings be with you all.
From Sharon Jeppson:
I worked with your parent and then your mother in the temple. She was so kind and made me feel like a friend.
From Susan Toner:
Ruth was such a lovely, special woman who was a treasured friend to my dear mother, many years ago when Ruth was the Relief Society President. She and Don were wonderful parents to their great children. We love their family!
From Lonnie and Gay Downs:
Absolutely one of our favorite ladies! We have missed seeing her in Burley and at the temple. We are happy to know she is with her good husband once again. Our prayers and love go out to each of the Melling kids at this difficult time. Ruth and Don will always be remembered in our community.
From Kathryn Hall:
Nice memories of the Ruth and Don Melling family. David, a good friend to Brian.
From Eileen A. Petersen:
Walt & I and family were neighbors and friends with Don & Ruth and family from the time they moved to Burley--I think in 1972...so 50 years! Walt would have been their bishop, then later Don was our bishop. We LOVE the Mellings. Condolences and prayers for Kaye, David, Scott, Kirt, Janaé, John and all their families on the loss of Ruth, a truly Elect Lady in every way! When we’d watch ballgames together, if BYU got behind, Ruth would say “Take it up a notch, Cougs.” She is back with her eternal sweetheart and I think heaven just "went up a notch" with her there. Love, Eileen A. Petersen and family
From Leslie Joyce:
Don and Ruth were such wonderful neighbors, ward members and friends. Our family was blessed to have the Melling family in our lives in all these capacities. Love and prayers to all of you. Leslie Taylor Joyce
From Guy and Lyn Ann Arnell :
John and all of Ruth’s family we send our love and prayers to each of you. Your mom and I worked the same temple shift together for almost 12 years. Your family have been friends and neighbors since we moved to Burley. We will miss your mother.

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