Ruth Mae Whitley Stromness Gentner
August 2, 1922 - September 17, 2014
Ruth Mae Whitley Stromness Gentner
"Ruthie"
1922 – 2014
Devoted Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Great Great Grandma, and Friend left us on September 17th, 2014, at the age of 93. Ruth was born on August 2nd, 1922, to Claude and Margot Whitley.
Ruth met Grant Stromness at the Nibley Park Ward as children and their true love lasted a lifetime. They married on July 11th, 1944 in the Logan LDS Temple and spent their first year in Fort Myers, Florida during World War II. Returned home to Utah to raise three children. Grant passed on March 31st 1988. She was a 14 year widow, and spent her time as a crossing guard, golfing, bowling, travel, dancing and taking care of her grandkids, the loves of her life. At age 79, she married a younger man Hyrum Gentner on January 28th, 2002 in Kauai, HI. The very next day they golfed and she pared the first hole.
Mom was a caregiver to many. She never met a person who did not become a friend. Active in the PTA, Boys and Girl Scouts and President of the Willow Creek Ladies Association. She was involved with American Legion Auxiliary for years and held many positions; the highlight was being the Director of Girls State.
She is survived by her husband Hyrum Gentner; two children Grant Hayes (Carolyn) Stromness Jr., Nan (Bruce) VanDyke; daughter-in-law Barbara Stromness; step-children Craig (Linda), Marc (Carol), Russ (Debbie) Gentner; 20 grandchildren; 19.5 great-grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her son Brent David Stromness; parents; sister Margo; and brother Arnold.
Please join us in celebration of her life on Sunday, September 21st from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Casual dress requested by Ruthie. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 22nd at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com
In Loving Memory
Dear Nan & Bruce, We were so privilege to meet your mom. What a sweet fun person. I'm glad we got to know her better when we moved back to SLC. I do remember she and Hy headed to a golf destination with friends. They had a lot of good times before Ruth became ill. We both remember the group dinner at Market Street and the plays at Hale Theater where they enjoyed everyones company. Ruth always look so beautiful , I especially remember how beautiful she looked at a Christmas party at your house she always had a smile and was so cheery with her greetings to everyone. I know you will miss her but you have many good memories to think about and hold dear in your mind and heart. We love you both and hope time will ease the hurt and loss. Mike & Carol Tuckett
Mike & Carol Tuckett
Cottonwood Heights, Ut
Dear Nan and Bruce Your mom was beautiful and always brought joy to your lives. What a blessing she was and know that you both and your family members are in our prayers during this time. We know you will celebrate her life.
bill and nancy huffman
tucson, az
Nan I did not know your mother long, but I do have many wonderful memories. Ruth had such a great personality. She alway made me smile. She had a way to make everyone feel good and had a sly sense of humor. I will miss her. Fred
Fred Newren
Cottonwood Heights, Ut
Hy and Barbara, I was so sad to hear of Ruthie's passing, so many good memories of Saturday ladies lunches at Willow Creek, golf and of course the bowling league with my mom and dad, she was truly a very very fun person, I thought of her every time I drove by Canyon Creek, my dad always considered you two good friends and my mom loved Ruthie so much. Debby
Debby Morton Fleisch
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Grant and Carolyn, On behalf of the ALA Utah Girls' State staff we'd like you to send our sincerest condolences and let you know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. You mentioned that one of Ruth's highlights in the ALA was serving as GS Director. I attended GS the year Ruth was Director in 1983. Because of her service and her family's sacrifice I, and the other 300 plus young women were given one of the best experiences of our lives. Please know how much we all appreciate her for this. We hope you will treasure the wonderful moments you had with Ruth. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Merilee Wilson ALA GS Director 2014/2015
Merilee C Wilson
Monroe, Ut