Ruth Mack

Ruth Hales Mack was born December 14, 1921 in Spanish Fork, Utah to Wallace M. Hales and Elizabeth Gardner. She was a descendent of Archibald Gardner who was a personal friend of Brigham Young. Ruth considered Safford her true home as she and her husband, G. Wayne Mack moved to the Gila Valley over 45 years ago and raised their six children here. When Ruth was a young girl, her family moved to the Washington D.C. area where her father continued his education. To supplement the familys income, her mother opened their home to boarders. This is where Ruth developed her passion for entertaining others. Many young missionaries throughout the years were the recipients of her beautiful table settings and wonderful food as she made them feel welcomed and loved. Ruth had a love for drama and often would be heard reading stories or poems with a dramatic flair to her children and grandchildren. It was when auditioning for a church play that she met her husband. Wayne often told the story of how he was the director of the play and he cast Ruth as his leading lady forever. Ruth was also a member of the Safford School Board from 1976-1978. Ruth and her husband were lifelong members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were called to service many times throughout their lives. They worked together as they served as Mission President to Papeete, Tahiti, a mission to Hawaii and a temple mission in Atlanta. A testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ was evident in Ruth through her actions and words. She loved the Lords children and served as a primary worker at 87 years of age. Ruth is survived by her children Gary, Marene, Rodger (Linda), Richard (Dawn), Kenneth, and Edward (Lorraine). She has 34 grandchildren and 69 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Safford LDS Stake Center by Bishop Neal Montierth of the Safford First Ward. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 13, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the Caldwell Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to services at the Church. Interment will be in the Pima Cemetery.