Ruth Hug Whittacre

Ruth Hug Whittacre

December 1, 1946 – December 4, 2024

 Ruth Hug Whittacre, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home in Henderson, NV, on December 4, 2024, at the age of 78.

 Ruth was born on December 1, 1946, in Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany. In 1950, she emigrated to the United States with her parents, August and Lore Hug, seeking the freedom to practice their faith as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They settled in Salt Lake City, UT, where Ruth grew up surrounded by love and faith.

 On January 13, 1965, Ruth married her eternal companion, James Jarrard Whittacre. Together, they built a loving life filled with devotion, joy, and a lifelong love story. Over the last two years, Jarrard lovingly cared for Ruth as she was home-bound due to illness. She passed away just one month shy of their 60th earthly wedding anniversary, but their bond endures as they are sealed for time and all eternity.

 Ruth studied interior design and spent nearly 20 years helping others create their dream homes through her work in furniture sales. She and Jarrard also operated several small businesses together. Above all, Ruth cherished her role as a mother to her children, daughters Tricia (Kelly) and Cyndie (Larry), sons Brett (Michelle) and Nathan (Joyce), and daughter-in-law Ruth, and as a grandmother to her 15 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 7 (with two more on the way).

 Later in life, Ruth developed a passion for quilting, creating treasured memory quilts for her family and others. She devoted herself to serving in her church, particularly with the young women, and remained an active and loving presence in the lives of those around her. Ruth and Jarrard served as BYU-Pathway missionaries, helping adults advance their education and get ready for college. She loved the students, especially seeing them achieve their dreams.

 Despite undergoing open-heart surgery at age 13 performed by Dr. Russell M. Nelson, Ruth defied expectations and lived a rich and fulfilling life. She raised her four children and embraced every moment of her 78 years with gratitude and grace.

Ruth often shared this message from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

 “At the end of your journey Heavenly Father will be there. He will embrace you, and you will know once and for all that you have made it home safely.”

 She now joins her parents, August and Lore Hug, in the eternal embrace of Heavenly Father. Her legacy of love, faith, and resilience lives on in the hearts of her family, including her grandchildren: Lori (Cody), Spencer (Kelly), Brandon, Aubree (Nate), Megan (Jon), Carlie (Dawson), Hanna (Zach), Haley, Brenden (Danielle), Zachary (Mallory), Natali, Noah, Kathryn, Sophia, and August; and her great-grandchildren: Blake, Alora, Claire, Charlotte, Oliver, Jackson, Caroline, and two more eagerly anticipated blessings.

 Memorial services for Ruth will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Galleria Chapel, 1551 Galleria Drive, Henderson, NV 89014. The viewing will take place from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m., followed by the funeral service from 12:00p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The funeral services will be broadcast online via Zoom at 12:00p.m. Pacific time. Use the link below for access:

https://zoom.us/j/2718384636?pwd=M0p3SXhObGYwMnR2Yy9NUE5ockdaQT09&omn=98272616187

Meeting ID: 271 838 4636

Passcode: 328338

Ruth’s family invites all who knew and loved her to celebrate her remarkable life and find joy in the memories she leaves behind.