Ruth Marshall Hibler

Ruth Marshall Hibler passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, surrounded by her family. Ruth was born to George and Lorena Smith on January 18, 1936. She was the sixth of eight children, and she had a close relationship with her siblings, especially her sisters. They all helped each other and were best friends through the years. Her family deeply loved her, as did many nieces and nephews, friends, and all who knew her. The bonds with her classmates of 1954 meant a great deal to her, and those friendships lasted throughout her lifetime.

After graduating high school, she moved to Salt Lake City with her best friend, Bonnie Hammond. Ruth loved working at the Woolworth Diner. Her sister, Ruby, invited her to a dance hall one night to watch a western band. This was the beginning of a whirlwind romance that would change her life forever when she met Roland Marshall, and he swept her off her feet on the dance floor. Three short months later, they married on December 3, 1955, and eventually settled in Grantsville, where she always considered it her “Home.” Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on January 18, 1972. Together, they were blessed with five children.

When Ruth was just 56, her world shattered as Roland succumbed to cancer. She never imagined she’d love again. But fate had other plans. A chance encounter at her 45th class reunion reconnected her with Jack Hibler, her high school sweetheart, whose quiet strength and steady presence rekindled something she thought she’d lost forever. Their bond, once youthful, deepened through experience and healing, and they married on January 12, 1996. Together, they built a new life, one rooted in shared memories, resilience, and a love that felt both familiar and new.

Ruth made it her mission to be a constant presence in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never letting a birthday pass without a little something tucked in a card with wisdom and warmth, or the holiday goodie bag with special treats, keepsake coins, and the $2 bill. She showed up to every activity she could, her smile shining from the crowd like a beacon of encouragement. With every hug, every story shared, and every whispered “I love you,” she wrapped them in a love so steady and deep that it became the foundation of their childhood, a legacy they will carry in their hearts forever.

Ruth was a woman of many talents, known for the incredible skill and creativity she brought to everything she touched. A gifted seamstress, she could turn a simple piece of fabric into something truly beautiful, her stitches always precise and full of care. Her embroidery work was intricate and delicate, often turning everyday items into cherished keepsakes. Perhaps most beloved of all was her canning and baking. Her homemade jam, cookies, candy, and holiday confections brought joy to family and friends year after year. Her hands were always busy, and she shared warmth, love, and joy with everyone around her. Ruth was a friend and mentor to many over her lifetime, too many to count.

Ruth had a strong testimony and love for our Heavenly Father and the Savior. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she served in many callings during her lifetime. She was a very giving person, and many a missionary received a monthly card with a little extra money while serving their missions. She shared her faith lovingly with all, and she loved going to the temple. Her faith gave her comfort knowing that after this life, she would be reunited with her family, Roland, her son Rodney, whom she dearly missed, and all her loved ones before her.In honor of Ruth’s memory, we celebrate a life that was lived fully, and one spent in the service of others. The family would like to thank her caregivers, Heather, Lexie, Lacey, and Sarah, for the patience, compassion, love, and kindness they have shown to Ruth and our family before and after her passing.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, Roland, son, Rodney, stepson, Robert Hibler, and stepdaughter, Debbie Phillips. She is survived by her husband, Jack, her children: Brent (Corene) Marshall, Denice (Jim) Graham, Camille (Scott) Miller, and Lance Marshall. Second family, Tracy (Nancy) Hibler, Connie (Tony) Gandulla, V onnie (Robert) Church, and Tommy Mierzwiak. Her family was everything to her, and she always made sure each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew how special they were to her. Her 17 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren fondly called her “Grandma Sugar” or “Nanny Sugar.”

Funeral services will be held July 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the LDS Church, 428 South Hale Street, Grantsville, Utah. A viewing will be held July 13, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM and from 9:30-10:30 prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Grantsville City Cemetery