Edith Gretchen Behrens Ruske

On April 28, 2024, Edith Gretchen Behrens Ruske, 94, passed away peacefully in her home. She was a beloved mother, grandmother (Omi) and great-grandmother.

Mom was born in Wilhelmshaven, Germany on September 1, 1929, to Anna Striek and Friedrich Behrens. Growing up in a harbor city during World War II, she experienced the effects of war including the bombing of the apartment complex where she was living with her mom, dad, sister (Luzie) and brother (Fred).

On May 18, 1955, Mom married Lothar Frank Ruske in Wilhelmshaven, Germany and shortly thereafter immigrated to Salt Lake City where they raised their four children -- Renate, Ralph, Diana and Ronald. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on October 24, 1963. They had a charmed marriage and went on many happy vacations seeing many countries and cultures. Mom and Dad were so in love and were often holding hands. They loved being with each other. He sadly passed away in 2017, but Mom thought of him every day and wished that he was still with her.

Mom was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fulfilling many callings. She loved serving her family, kept a meticulous home and hosted many family gatherings with her delicious cooking and baking. She was often complimented on her appearance, clothing and jewelry. To supplement the family income, she worked in different jobs including house cleaning and designing and sewing draperies. She retired from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after 12 years working in the Family History Department. Her passions included crocheting, knitting, word puzzles and reading. Her handiwork was entered into the Utah State Fair where she earned dozens of blue ribbons.

Mom is survived by her children Ralph (Susan), Diana (Blaine Fuller) and Ron (Shauna), 20 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Lothar, her daughter Renate (Bill Cardwell) and grandson AJ.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 6^th at 12:00 pm at the Hillcrest Ward meetinghouse, 8735 South Harvard Park Drive, Sandy, Utah. Friends and family are invited to a viewing that day at the church beginning at 10:00 am. The interment will be at the Crescent Cemetery in Sandy, Utah.