Ruth Skousen

Ruth Lager Skousen was born on June 22, 1932 in Scottsbluff Nebraska. She was the fourth child of 10 children born to Leo and Gertrude Lager. When she was 10 years old, her family moved to a ranch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado where she learned hard work, a trait she embodied throughout the rest her life. Her determination and hard work enabled her to accomplish many great achievements in her 92 years. After graduating from high school, Ruth went to nurses training in Denver Colorado where she earned a degree in Registered Nursing. While in nurses training, tragedy struck when she unexpectedly lost her mother (Gertrude), followed closely by the death of her older sister (Dorothy). After graduating, Ruth moved to Aztec, New Mexico for work. She later moved on to San Juan County Regional Hospital in Farmington, New Mexico. One evening she met a handsome young man, Nathan James Skousen Jr. who owned an Oldsmobile dealership in Farmington. It wasn’t long before the two were engaged. Her fiancée’s sisters began planning and preparing for an elaborate wedding. They, however, had different plans. They eloped to Las Vegas, Nevada. 11 months later, their first son Nathan James Skousen III (Casey) was born. Soon after arrived baby David Merrill Skousen. Then came along baby girl, Dorothy Ann. After Dorothy ‘s birth, the family sold the Oldsmobile dealership and moved to Albuquerque. That was when their fourth child, John Leo Skousen, was born. Once Ruths children reached school age, she refocused on her career. During her time working in Internal Medicine, she studied hard and challenged the Physician’s Assistant Board. She passed her first time, earning herself a degree as a Physician’s Assistant. Ruth’s determination also earned her a pilot license. In the early 1980s, Ruth, now single, move to Alaska and opened what would become a thriving medical clinic. After several years, she had earned enough money to retire comfortably. She moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico to be close to her children and grandchildren. Ruth joined the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints in 1963 when her oldest son was seven years old. She never wavered in her faith or the gospel of Jesus Christ, nor in her activity in gospel works. Ruth held too many callings to list, though she most notably cherished her work in the Temple, performing many saving ordinances for her ancestors. Her example instilled her testimony of the church into her children and grandchildren, being a shining example of a follower of Jesus Christ. As a faithful member of the Church, Ruth chose to serve a mission and was called to serve the people of Sophia, Bulgaria. While there, she worked as the medical and humanitarian advisor for the whole of the mission, encompassing the entire country of Bulgaria and surrounding areas. Her efforts blessed many children and rural communities in dire need. Ruth is survived by her four children Casey (Mary), David (Alice), Dorothy Ann Allen (Grant) and John (Jeanie) as well as 17 grandchildren and 50 great grandchildren and counting. As well as her brother Jim, brother Richard, Sister Judy and Sister Joan. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers; Bob and Leo, sisters; Dorothy, Betty and Donna as well as her baby grandson Anthony. Ruth was the light of so many people’s lives. Her life will influence many generations to come. Although her passing leaves a hole in our hearts, we are thrilled that she’s on to her next adventure of being with her many previously departed loved ones. She was so very excited to be with them again A celebration of life will be held in her honor at her beloved cabin in Chama, New Mexico this summer.