John Ruth

John Chester Ruth passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 3, 2023

following a year of ill health. He was born March 21, 1950, in Tombstone, Arizona. He was the

third child born to Chet and Edith Ruth.

John spent the first 14 years of his life in St. David, Arizona and Chandler, Arizona. At the age of

14, the family moved to Pocatello, where John attended Alameda Jr. High and Highland High

School, graduating in 1968. During high school, he excelled as tackle on the football team, but

his dreams of a future in football ended when he tore a ligament in his knee. While in high

school, he also served as chief justice of the student court. Music was also an important part of

his life. He had a strong bass voice and in his sophomore year the choir director asked him to

sing in the Highland Trouveres, an honor for a sophomore at that time. He enjoyed doing

roadshows, plays and singing in various choirs.

John served in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day

Saints and has been an active member throughout his life. He held various church callings, but

especially loved teaching Gospel Doctrine and at the time of his death was serving as Executive

Secretary to the Bishop. Following his mission, he attended Idaho State University and was an

active member of the Sigma Gamma Chi fraternity, where he made many life-long friends.

John enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking, reading, and anything to do with his family.

He is survived by his brothers: Jim (Debi) Ruth, Pocatello; Dan (Eileen) Ruth, Pocatello; and

sisters Beverly Reisner, Idaho Falls; Dorothy Ruth, Pocatello; Cathy (Brent) Almond, Groveland;

and Sheri (Dwight) Long, Idaho Falls; brother-in-law, Brent Pulley, Phoenix, AZ.; his uncle, Vern

(LaVera) Tilton, Pocatello; 22 nieces and nephews, and 47 great nieces and nephews. He was

preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Bonnie Pulley, and brother-in-law Mel Reisner.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the medical professionals who

treated him this past year and especially Enhabit Home Health for the care and support they

offered him.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day

Saints, 300 E. Chapel Street, Pocatello. A visitation will be held from 10:00-10:45 am, and

funeral services will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting the Tribute Wall tab above.