Ruth Edith Holt Dahlquist

Ruth Edith Holt Dahlquist passed away on December 31, 2010. Ruth was born in Salt Lake City to Charles Robert Holt and Edith Olin Holt on March 5, 1922. She is preceded in death by her parents and five brothers, Roy, Robert, Kenneth, Louis and Wallace. She is survived by her husband Don Dahlquist, sister-Blanche Record (James), daughters-Denise Ludlow (Richard), Diane O’Neil (Brent), Janet Bailey (Brent), Jeanne Dahlquist, and son Richard Dahlquist (Kathy).

As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints she served a mission in the Southern States. She is a member of the Mt. Olympus Stake. She served in various callings including Stake and Ward Relief Society, Young Women’s and Primary auxiliaries.

Of most importance to her was her family including her husband of nearly 60 years, her five children, 12 grand children and 18 great grand children. A hallmark of her legacy is her generosity, compassion, and life of service to family and community.

The birth of Jeanne was a new challenge in Don and Ruth’s life. Jeanne needed special help to reach the highest level of function of which she is capable of. In 1969 Ruth became involved with the Cerebral Palsy Center. Ruth knew the struggles the center was having due to lack of funding. After becoming director, she and a very dedicated staff, worked for years developing unique programs that enriched the lives of disabled individuals. Contributing much of their earnings to sustain the program which had limited funding. She wrote grants to secure operational funding and significantly contributed to the passage of House Bill 105 that entitled the handicapped the right to public education. In 1976 Ruth received the Community Service Award acknowledging her dedication, persistence and inspirational impact of her staff and those she served.

Ruth is a legend in the state and is loved by many. Her advocacy and accomplishments at the now named Work Activity Center have been exemplary.

A memorial service will be held, Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at the Mt. Olympus State Center, 3610 East, 3510 South, Salt Lake City, Utah at 12:00 pm. A viewing will be held prior to the service starting at 11:00 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, Salt Lake City, UT.