Ruth D. Kirby was born on September 1, 1931, in Wardboro, Idaho, to Albert Stuart Dimick and Maud Effie Dayton Dimick, she was the 10th of their 11 children. She passed away peacefully on August 31, 2023, just hours short of her 92nd birthday.

She attended elementary school in a two-room schoolhouse in Wardboro, and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1949, but many of her life lessons and work ethic were instilled in her during her early years on the family farm. Her chores included feeding the chickens, gathering eggs, pumping water, and hauling in wood and coal. When World War II called many away, she and her younger brother Orval shouldered heavier responsibilities to keep the farm in order. Despite the hard work, they found the energy for childhood games like "Run Sheep Run" and hide-and-seek.

She met her soulmate, Dale Kirby, on a blind date and quickly realized they were meant for each other. They were engaged just six weeks later, and were married on October 10, 1949, in the Salt Lake City Temple. They shared a mutual love for dancing, and served as dance directors when they were first married. The couple made homes in Salt Lake City, Preston, and Montpelier before settling in Soda Springs in 1966, where they raised their five children.

They were supportive parents and doting grandparents. They took immense joy in watching their children, and grandchildren's activities, whether it was sports, arts, or academic achievements. Family was at the core of their lives, and they had many memorable vacations with their children. Their love for travel led them to several countries and Ruth was able to complete their goal of visiting all 50 states in 2003. Dale preceded her in death on April 2, 2003.

A steadfast member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ruth's devotion began even before her baptism in the Bear River at age eight, when she would attend church service alone. Over the years, she took on various roles within the church. She served multiple terms in the Stake Relief Society Presidency, led Young Women's groups, and guided Primary School lessons. She and Dale also served in the Logan Temple and went on a mission to Independence, Missouri, sharing their faith and love of the gospel.

Ruth's culinary skills became the stuff of family legend. Known particularly for her homemade bread, rolls, and an unmatched potato salad, many have attempted to replicate her recipes but found an indefinable ingredient—likely the love she poured into her cooking—missing.

Her hobbies reflected her multifaceted personality. Ruth was not just a cook but an artist. She was an adept seamstress, sewing clothes for her children when they were young and later taking up quilting. She refinished old furniture, leaving us all with beautiful heirlooms. Musically gifted, she played the piano, harmonica, banjo, and guitar, all by ear. Her harmonica renditions, in particular, were family favorites.

Ruth and Dale had a small farm where they hand-built a log cabin. This cabin was the site of countless family gatherings and cherished holiday celebrations where they led by example, teaching the younger generations the balance of work and play.

She is survived by her children Kandi Kjar, Kal (Sherlene) Kirby, Jill (Rod) Garner, Jon (Michelle) Kirby, and Mindi (Troy) Lish, as well as 21 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, seven sisters—Vanda Mason, LaRue Skinner, Adell Black, Delilah Hansen, Nellie Price, Mary Taylor, Lula LaRocco—and three brothers—Dayton Dimick, Cal Dimick, and Orval Dimick—and son-in-law Kim Kjar.

Ruth will be most remembered for her quick wit, vibrant sense of humor, unshakeable faith, and caring heart. Her lifelong commitment to hard work remains an inspiration to us all. While she will be deeply missed, we find comfort in imagining her joyous reunion with Dale.