PLYMOUTH, UTAH – Melba Ruth Steed, 83, passed away Aug. 3, 2009, surrounded by many loved ones. Ruth was born June 19, 1926, in Thatcher, to Everard Alan and Alice Erma Anderson Roche. She was reared in Thatcher but spent most of her life in Plymouth. She married the love of her life, George Harold (Cack) Steed, March 14, 1944, in Brigham City. He died July 28, 1985. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan Temple in 1986. She was lovingly welcomed into a family that she was as close to as the family she was born into. Ruth was a member of the Belmont 1st Ward where she served in the library for many years along with numerous other callings.

Ruth loved life and people. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved to bake, cook, quilt and can. Many people were the recipients of her bread, rolls and quilts. She loved giving of herself. She was awarded the "Heart of Gold" award honoring her for acts of selflessness. She never felt that it was deserved. Her goal in life was to be a great-grandma, a grandma the kids would always want to visit. She was referred to as "mom" by more than just her children. She touched the hearts of everyone that knew her. Ruth loved to work and was happiest when being productive. She loved working in her flowers and giving of herself. Her cinnamon rolls, wonderful honey candy and love of life are things that will always be remembered.

She is survived by her children: Linda Nelson, Oral "Herb" (Jeri) Steed, Dean (Janet) Steed, Cleve (Sue) Steed, Melba Woodward and Tammy Steed, 18 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; brothers: Milton and Frank Roche; sisters: Ora Lewis, Marjorie Peters, Jean Barnes, Marie (Mickie) Newman, Janice Chournes, Connie Fridal and Vicki Archibald; sister-inlaws: Lorna Thompson and Louise Udy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, three sisters, one son-in-law, eight brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

Special thanks to special people in her life and the staff of the Bear River Care Center.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m., at the Belmont Ward LDS Chapel, 16925 North 5200 West, Riverside. Family and friends may call Friday, Aug. 7, from 6-8 p.m., at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home, 111 North 100 East, Tremonton and Saturday from 8:30-9:40 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Plymouth Cemetery.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.rogersandtaylor.com.