Ruth Jane McConnell Riley
August 14, 1927 - April 1, 2013
Ruth Jane McConnell Riley
1927- 2013
Ruth Jane McConnell Riley, age 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2013. Ruth was born in an old stone house on August 14, 1927 to Julia and Clarence McConnell in Jackson County, Minnesota. She graduated from Okabena High School and later from cosmetology school in Mankato, Minnesota.
She married James (Jim) Matt Riley on January 29, 1949 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brewster, Minnesota. They lived in Minneapolis where Jim completed his education at the University of Minnesota. She worked as a beautician at Dayton's Department Store, until the first of their seven daughters was born. Their young and growing family followed Jim's career as a chemical and mining engineer to Riverdale, North Dakota and Rapid City, South Dakota, before settling in Salt Lake City. Ruth and Jim were quite a sight to see, with their seven daughters lined up in church, all wearing red coats.
She was a devoted homemaker, mother, wife and grandmother. She was a devout Catholic and member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish. She loved her cats and had a very tender heart for pets. She took in and found homes for many strays.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Lloyd McConnell. She is survived by her husband Jim, her sister, Mavis Baumguard, Worthington Minn., daughters Catherine (Bob Lambert), Mary Ellen, Jane (Hugh Brown), Joan, Rita (Leo Embry), Sara (Paul Colosimo) and Trudi (Jim Frenchik). She was the beloved "Pink Gram" to her 16 grandchildren, Rob, Patrick, Shawn, Jeff, Ben, Monica, Brian, Eric, Melissa, Anna, Ryan, Lucy, Sam, Riley, Alex and Mathew. She was also blessed with 3 great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 East Spring Lane, SLC, Ut., where friends may call upon the family one hour prior. A rosary service will be held Friday at 7:00 p.m. at St. Vincent's, where friends may call from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Committal to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and T Street.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Humane Society of Utah.
In Loving Memory
It was a privilege to have been able to know Ruth. She always exuded grace and beauty. She had a wonderful inner light, and attracted people to her with her wonderful smile. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
Sarah Lambert
Salt Lake City, UT
From the home state of Ruth and Jim Riley we send our heartfelt condolences to all of you at this time. Your mom was an amazing woman and I am grateful to have known her. May The Risen Christ bring you His peace.
Liz Phelan
Maple Grove, MN
Dear Joan, I am so sorry. My heart aches for you.
Penny Murphy
Salt Lake City, Ut
Ruth was such a loving caring person. She always made me feel very special. I was so sorry to hear of her passing. Best wishes to all the sisters and grandchildren.
Jessie Embry
Provo, UT
Dear Jim, We are sorry to learn of Ruth's death. She was a kind person and we enjoyed knowing some of your younger girls. We hope your arm heals quickly. We are glad some of your grandchildren could help with the water in your basement. Sincerely, Gloria and David Pehrson from Severn Circle
Gloria Pehrson
Holladay,, Ut
Haha, shouldn't you be charging for that kind of knwoldege?!
Adelaide
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Woah nelly, how about them aplpes!
Delia
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Heck of a job there, it absoltuely helps me out.
Johnette
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Begun, the great intrneet education has.
Mia
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