Ruth Leonardini Turner

Dora Ruth Leonardini Turner passed away surrounded by family on August 30, 2021 in Murray, UT. Ruth was born March 28, 1955, to Raul Julian Leonardini and Maria Aida Prada, in La Paz, Bolivia. Because of a chance encounter with then vice-president Richard Nixon, she and her twin sister had the opportunity to attend their choice of college in America. Having recently joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, they decided to attend Brigham Young University. Ruth had met Elder Turner in La Paz just days before his return home and they kept in touch, then later courted while at BYU. David and Ruth were married August 16, 1975, in the Manti Utah temple and settled a few years later in their West Valley home where they raised their family; daughters, Jessica, Charlotte and Jodie and son, Patrick.

Ruth loved her family unconditionally. She loved being “Grandma Ruthie” and made every grandchild feel like her favorite. All of her girls were her princesses. She supported her family at every game and performance. She also extended this love to her nieces, nephews and their children. She made everyone around her feel special and was genuinely interested in their lives.

Ruth had a talent for making everything beautiful; whether it related to her home, fashion, hair, or crafts. She could knit, crochet, sew, and arrange flowers, leaving numerous heirlooms for her family. She was also an amazing cook, especially Bolivian dishes. She often gathered her family together to feed them delicious meals.

Her favorite pastime was shopping. She always found the best deals and could shop until the stores kicked her out because they were closing. She used this talent to buy things for her family and showed her love with unexpected gifts.

She loved going to events. She enjoyed festivals, parades, fairs, concerts, dance performances, and especially Disneyland! Anyone and everyone was invited to go with her. She loved making memories and always took an abundance of photos and videos.

Ruth was a patriotic American and proud that she had become a citizen. She was also proud of her Bolivian heritage and shared that culture freely throughout her life.

She loved playing volleyball and had a wicked serve. She passed this love on to her children, who all played. She was the best cheerleader, always on the sidelines. After being introduced to Zumba, it became one of her passions and through it she made many great friends.

Ruth was a woman filled with faith, and prayed always for her loved ones. She served as a missionary for her church, assigned to the Perpetual Education Fund and loved making connections with students in Central and South America. Her favorite calling was primary teacher because she had a special place in her heart for little children.

She is survived by her husband, David, children, Jessica (Kevin), Charlotte (Nick), Jodie (Robby) and Patrick (Hilary), her siblings, Sofia and Pedro, and 13 grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Raul and Maria, brother, Raul and twin sister, Judy, who passed just three days before Ruth.

We will miss her Spanglish conversations, distinct Bolivian accent, and her sweet voice, especially how it came out when she was upset. Until we meet again, Grandma Ruthie.

To honor Ruth’s long-standing request, private services will be held for immediate family only.