Ruth Mortans Matthern

She was born on January 6, 1923, to Pierson F. Morgans and Pluma F. Heidt. Ruth grew up in Liberty, NY with 3 brothers and two sisters. After graduating from high school, Ruth attended secretarial school and worked as a legal secretary. She married Robert Matthern on March 1, 1952, in Liberty, NY. They lived in several states in the mid-west and east coast. She worked as a legal secretary for many years, and became a full-time homemaker when her older daughter was born. Ruth was an excellent cook; one of her husband's favorite jokes was to tell people that he had to eat the same thing every night when he came home -- a new recipe. When trying a new recipe, Ruth always noted the date and how well it turned out in her cookbook; one year she actually did try 364 new recipes. She was an excellent hostess and frequently provided an elegant evening meal for her husband's out-of-town business visitors. Ruth loved the outdoors. She loved to tent camp, hike, and beach comb; she was always ready for an outdoor adventure. Ruth taught her family to appreciate the smaller and sometimes elusive marvels of nature: wildflowers, mushrooms, birds, insects, frogs, and even spiders and snakes. Ruth introduced her daughters to Girl Scouting and was very active herself; she led Junior and Cadette troops, trained leaders, and served as a council delegate. When her older daughter left for college, Ruth earned an associates degree and worked as a real estate agent. She lost her husband in 1985. She retired from real estate and moved to Idaho Falls in 1988. Ruth saw retirement as an opportunity for adventure and service. Ruth traveled the US visiting friends and family and walking volksmarches. She took up cross-country skiing and joined the Idaho Falls ski club. Ruth continued her involvement in Girl Scouting; she lead Junior and Cadette troops and trained leaders. Ruth also was a docent at the Tautphaus Park Zoo, where she organized and led tours at the zoo. Ruth was a member of Christ the King Catholic church. She was an active member of the Friends of the Library, delivered books to shut-ins, and regularly served at the Idaho Falls Food Bank. Ruth is survived by her two daughters: Gretchen Matthern of Idaho Falls and Deborah Matthern of Los Angeles, CA. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2011, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 270 N. Placer in Idaho Falls, with the Reverend Susan E. Speir, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home in Idaho Falls.Ruth Morgans Matthern, 88, of Idaho Falls, passed away Monday, October 3, 2011.

Service Details.

Service

When: Saturday, October 15th, 2011
Location: Funeral Home
Address: