Ruth Ence Roberts

Ruth Ence Roberts, our precious wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend completed her earthly journey surrounded by the loves of her life ... her family, on Sunday evening, March 3rd after battling cancer for the last 3 and half years. She fought so hard during this time and is now cancer and pain free…she is well….she is happy!

Ruth was born August 27, 1960, to Kay Robert Ence and Doris Ellen Snow in St. George, Utah. being the 5th of seven children (6 girls and 1 boy). Ivins was a small community during her growing up years and so her best friends were mostly siblings and cousins. Ruth is one that loves family traditions, especially Christmas. She always made Christmas a special time of year for those around her. 

She attended local schools here in the area where she developed amazing friendships that have lasted through many years. She graduated from Dixie High School in 1978 where she was an excellent student. She continued her education attending and graduating from Dixie College in 1980. While attending Dixie College she received her Associates Degree and then continued at SUSC (SUU) and graduated with her BS degree in Business Education. Her first job was teaching high school business in Tropic, Utah at Bryce Valley High School in 1982.  

In 1981, while at college she met her eternal love, Steven Lee Roberts. They were married November 20, 1982, in the St. George, Utah Temple. Their marriage has been one of tender love and commitment to each other. After their marriage, they moved back to Cedar City for Steve to  continue his education at SUU. While there, she was employed as a secretary for the Utah Department of Transportation. 

They returned to Steve’s hometown of Annabella, Utah where he was employed with the Army National Guard in Richfield, Utah. They loved it there. This is where they began and raised their young family. They were blessed to have Steve’s family close by and Ruth loved that. In Annabella she worked as a town clerk and made many friends that continue today. Steve and Ruth were thrilled when the opportunity came for them to move home to Ivins in 1996 with their children. Steve helped start the Military Intelligence Unit for the Army National Guard in St. George. Home was where Ruth truly loved to be, close to more family and friends. Ruth continued her skills in bookkeeping for E-N-E Development and Troy’s Custom Auto Body. These were places where she enjoyed and developed more friendships.

Ruth was a supportive military wife as Steve had to leave for training through the years and some deployments throughout their marriage. In 2003-2004, Steve served in Iraq for 13 long months. While she was home alone for that time, she was supported by her close knit family and great friends.

Ruth is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found joy and fulfillment in serving in many callings. She served in the Primary, Cub Scouting, Young Womens, and Relief Society. She was an outstanding example of ministering to others. She loved being a member of Ward Choirs and had a beautiful alto voice. Her life is one of faith, dedication, service, and testimony. As sick as she was, she still accepted the calling to serve in the St. George temple when it re-opened in December 2023. She loved the time that she spent there and wished it could have lasted longer. She dedicated her life in service to all.

Ruth’s greatest joys were found being a wife and mother. Her five children brought true joy and happiness to her. She loved when her family gathered for her delicious meals and treats. She will always be remembered for her homemade bread (the best ever), cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies, congo bars, Christmas ham sandwiches, breadsticks, rolls, and so much more!

The abundant joy of raising her children was magnified by her twelve grandchildren. Her memories will live on in the handmade blankets she has given each of them and all of the activities and events that she attended to support and cheer for them. Up to the very end she would watch their games streaming on TV and cheer them on from her bed. She was so grateful and appreciative to experience the birth of her last grandchild, just one month ago. She has a close relationship with each one of her grandchildren and cherishes her time with them. Ruth loved spending time at her parents’ property in Pinto, sitting on the porch with family around her, enjoying the beautiful setting and relaxing. She loved sewing, quilting, crocheting, and shared these talents with others by what she created. 

The last two weeks of her life have been filled with a special spirit. We know that families can be together forever. You felt it in her presence and that of her family. 

Ruth was preceded in death by her father, Kay Robert Ence, Jake Ence (nephew), Alden Roberts (father-in-law), Clarice Roberts (mother-in-law), Howard Roberts (brother-in-law) Debora Lowe Roberts (sister-in-law) Danny Anderson (brother-in-law) and Michael Sorensen (brother-in-law).

She is survived by husband, Steven Lee Roberts (Ivins).

Her children: Kayde Roberts (Anne), Santa Clara, Micklee Hiatt (Jeremy) Ivins, Brek Roberts (Ivins), Keaton Roberts (Whitney) Ivins, Abigail Mecke (Steven) Ivins.

Grandchildren: Drake Roberts, Davi Roberts, Meg Roberts, Austin Roberts, Cory Hiatt, Preston Hiatt, Stafford Hiatt, Allee Hiatt, Van Roberts, Jack Roberts, Mila Roberts, Shia Mecke.

Mother: Doris Ellen Ence (Ivins).

Siblings: Doris Leavitt (Steven),  Marie Hansen (Randall), Kalyn Gubler (Bruce), Anreta Frei (Wesley), Robert Ence (Shelly), Lydia Nelson (Troy) all of whom live in Ivins.

In-laws:   Barbara (Howard) Roberts, Kathy (Michael) Sorensen, Julie and Kay Kimball, Sharon (Danny) Anderson, Rick and Paula Roberts, Mark (Deborah) Roberts.

Many Nieces and Nephews.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 7th from 5:00 -7:00 pm at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah, and Friday, March 8th from 9:30-10:30 am at the Ivins 6th ward Chapel, 260 East 1060 South, Ivins, Utah with funeral services following at 11:00 am.  

The burial will be in the Ivins City Cemetery.

Special and grateful thanks to:

Intermountain Cancer Center, Wound Clinic, Hyperbaric Team, Palliative Care and Hospice.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to sign Ruth’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com