Ruthe Michaelsen

Ruthe K. Michaelsen

1922 - 2015

Ruthe Elizabeth Killam Michaelsen, a longtime resident of Winnemucca, Nevada passed away in her home on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the age of 92. Ruthe was born May 17, 1922 in Powell, Wyoming to Alice Elvira and William Roy Killam. She grew up in Powell until the time of WWII when she moved to California to work. After the war, she returned to Wyoming and was working for the Department of Agriculture. It was there that she met her husband, Myles Andrew Michaelsen and they married in 1953. Myles and Ruthe had a son, Michael, before they moved to Winnemucca, Nevada in July of 1966.

She was a strong-willed, artistic woman with a love for adventure. She took an interest in downhill skiing, in the days of wooden skis then later to cross-country skiing and was a good shot too. She was a tour guide for many years taking seniors on trips near and far including Alaska, Hawaii, and Las Vegas. She was a nature lover who enjoyed hiking. She collected many rocks throughout her travels.

Ruthe was also an avid gardener, planting a garden of rhubarb, corn, potatoes, tomatoes and much more every year. She always had the most beautiful flowers including tulips, African violets, roses and, of course, a variety of irises. She enjoyed spending time in her back yard admiring the song birds and hummingbirds that visited the fruit trees and bird feeders. During the winter,

She spent much of her time sewing, quilting and crocheting. Her quilts were masterpieces to be admired. It was amazing to see the progression of many small pieces of a variety of fabrics turn into beautiful quilts made with love. During her younger years, she painted gorgeous landscapes and flower scenes that filled her home with color.

Although Ruthe was not afraid to get her hands dirty, don’t let that fool you. When it came time to clean up she was a fashionista. She was a stunning, sharp-dressed woman with an up-do. Ruthe would get her hair done every Thursday. Even at times when she wasn’t feeling well, she reminded her caretakers that they were not to get her hair wet or mess up her up-do.

Ruthe was a strong, independent woman. She brought much joy to those around her and she will be dearly missed.

Ruthe is survived by her son, Michael Michaelsen; her granddaughters: Jessica Sáenz and Monica Sartor; and two great-grandsons: Jace and Jaydon Sartor. Ruthe is also survived by a large extended family in Utah.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers: Frank Allen Killam, Henry Isom Killam, and Lloyd William Killam.

Please join the family for a celebration of her life that will be held on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 12:00 Noon in the Mayfield Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11 East 100 North, Mayfield, Utah 84643, where friends may call on Monday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in the Mayfield Cemetery.

For family and friends in Nevada, a memorial service will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the Winnemucca 1 ^st Ward Chapel, located at 111 West McArthur Ave, Winnemucca, NV 89445.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.