Ruth S. Pearson

RUTH S. PEARSON Graveside services for former Cortez resident Ruth S. Pearson will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 9 at the Monticello Cemetery. Winn Westcott will officiate. Ruth was born on March 7, 1921 in Dundee, Tex., the daughter of James Sherman and Sarah Francis (Garret) Stephenson. She passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at the San Juan Hospital in Monticello, Utah at the age of 85. Throughout her life, Ruth made each life richer by her presence. Ruth and R.L. Pearson celebrated 54 years of marriage before his death in 1992. Together they engaged in various pursuits to earn a living and enjoyed life together. They owned and managed a general store in Cahone and raised cattle and horses on their Ponderosa Pine Ranch. They also owned and operated Pearson Propane and they managed a Shell gas station. Ruth and R.L. also maintained and managed a ranch near Cortez. They were residents of San Juan County for over 50 years and Montezuma County for over 10 years. In high school, Ruth won contests singing, playing the harmonica, participating in sports, including softball and basketball. She was an avid sports fan and loved reading. While working as a nurse’s aide, Ruth earned her high school diploma and LPN certification. Doctors, co-workers, and patients expressed their joy in her intuitive, skillful nursing. Ruth and R.L. raised three children, Betty Jean Pearson of Cheyenne, Wyo., Charles Bradley “Toby” Pearson and Jimmy Joe Pearson, both of Monticello, Utah. She is survived by 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, R.L.; and seven siblings.