Ruth Price Rigby

Ruth Price Rigby passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018 at her home in Logan, Utah. She was the youngest child born to Fredrick John and Gertrude Rich Price. She arrived December 3, 1932, in the family home at Paris, Idaho. She graduated with honors from Fielding High School in 1951. Ruth worked as a receptionist for Dr. Spencer Rich until 1952. She married John Wilmer Rigby on August 1, 1952 in the Logan Temple. At the time of their marriage Wilmer was a pharmacy student at Idaho State College in Pocatello, Idaho. Ruth worked as a bookkeeper for Bannock Motors until her husband graduated in 1954.
A daughter, Nancy Lyn, arrived, January 19, 1954. The young family moved to Evanston, Wyoming, where her husband Wilmer worked at the Warner Drug as an intern pharmacist. After completion of the pharmacy internship Wilmer and Ruth moved their family to Price, Utah. While in Price a son, John Dale, was born on September 4, 1956. They lived in Price for two years; during this time Wilmer practiced pharmacy for Walgreen Drug Company. The next opportunities for the family were in Montpelier Idaho and Challis Idaho. Wilmer accepted employment with the Lowe Drug Company in Montpelier. The family moved to Challis when they partnered with Ralph and LaVonne Bartschi to purchase the Challis Drug Store. In 1962 they finally settled in Salmon, Idaho where they owned and operated the Rigby Pharmacy for thirty-eight wonderful years. During these years Ruth kept very busy raising her children and serving diligently in many church positions. As the children matured, Ruth trained as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked with Dr. Zach Johnson and at the Steele Memorial Hospital.
Ruth enjoyed the Salmon River Country. She delighted in exploring the enormous backcountry mountains surrounding the Salmon River by Jeep, horseback, or airplane. She and her family enjoyed floating the rivers and camping. They experienced a few breathtaking close calls while shooting the rapids on the wild and free flowing rivers. Ruth exulted in catching her first steelhead, demonstrating a true knack for this challenging sport. She often out-fished her husband and professional river guides. Many fine fish tales could be told here.
Wilmer and Ruth served a proselyting mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Lansing, Michigan Mission. They experienced spiritual joy and satisfaction with each convert that entered the waters of baptism. Upon returning home, Ruth and Wilmer served for nine and a half happy years as officiators in the Logan Temple.
One would be hard pressed to count Ruth’s many dear friends. She accumulated them wherever she went, delighting in these choice associations. When help was needed, she was there to provide comfort, food, and encouragement. One of her happiest times was home teaching with Wilmer. Ill health and some bad falls eventually overcame Ruth’s earthly life. She was a true lady extraordinaire, and so loved. She will be dearly missed.
Ruth leaves behind a grieving husband, her two children, eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, her parents, one brother, five sisters, three sisters-in-law, and three brothers-in-law. One surviving sister, Carol Hirschi, remains the only living child born to Fred and Gertrude Price.
Funeral services will be held on Friday May 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center, 1255 North 600 East, Logan Utah. A viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Allen Mortuary, 420 East 1800 North and from 9:30-10:45 prior to the services at the church. Interment will follow in the Montpelier, Idaho cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net