Ruby C. Bedke 1921 ~2004
Ruby Collard Bedke, 82, died Sept. 22, 2004, in Salt Lake City. She was a wonderful loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She lived a very full life and accomplished all that she was sent to do. Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Herman E. Bedke in 1984, her brother, Harold Collard, and a grandson, Matthew Bedke. She is survived by six children and their spouses, Pamela Wolf (Greg), Jeffrey Bedke (Sue), Kent Bedke (Leslie), Douglas Bedke (Pam), David Bedke (Joni) and Karen Butler (Dude); 30 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Grant Collard (Jean) and two sisters, Eva Bean (Roger) and Lorraine Midgley (Keith). She was born on September 23, 1921, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to goodly parents Lloyd and Davina Collard, the second of five children. Ruby graduated from Utah State University and went to teach school in Oakley, Idaho, where she met and married Herman. They moved to Burley, Idaho, where Herman set up his law practice. She was very supportive of her husband in his law practice and in his horse adventures and ranching endeavors. Their six children were all born in Burley, which Ruby described as a "perfect place to raise a family." She was a very busy "super Mom" with school programs, church programs, scouts, county fair, girls camp, vacations, sports, dance, piano practice, PTA, graduations, etc. Family relationships were very important to Ruby. She organized many family reunions, family histories, and family letters. Ruby was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her life was one of service to her fellow men. She felt the gospel was the guide to her happy and fulfilling life. She served in the Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, and Sunday School as well a serving as ward organist for over 30 years. She served in the Boise and Jordan River Temples, a family history mission in Salt Lake City, and in the mission office in Morristown, New Jersey. Ruby's influence was also felt in the community. She taught at the Burley High School for 18 years. She served with the Cassia Health Care Foundation and the Burley Festival of Trees for several years. Music was an important part of Ruby's life. She began to play the organ when she was 10 years old. She played the saxophone in her high school band and dance band. She participated in singing groups and accompanied many choirs. After 45 years in Burley, and living alone as a widow for 10 years, she made the difficult decision to leave her many dear friends there. She moved to South Jordan in 1994, where she made many new friends. A viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 25, 2004, at the LDS River Ridge 8th Ward Chapel at 10200 S. 1300 W. in South Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Basin, Idaho Cemetery at 4 p.m. followed by a brief memorial service at the Burley Idaho LDS Seventh Ward Chapel in Burley, Idaho, at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Primary Children's Hospital or the Perpetual Education Fund.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 9/24/2004.