Ruth Malmberg

Edna Ruth Phippen Malmberg was born on March 21st, 1925 in Albion, Idaho. The 5th of 8 children born to Melvin Earl Phippen and Edna Elnora Laker Cook; Ruth lived in Albion until she was ten years old.
Ruth graduated from Logan High School in 1942. Following graduation, she attended Salt Lake Business School. At 21, Ruth left business school and went to work for the FBI as a chief clerk. Ruth has several letters from J. Edgar Hoover that are valued possessions.
In July of 1946 Ruth’s best friend Rolayne Ferrin introduced her to her favorite cousin Reginald T Malmberg, who went by “Ray”. Ray and Ruth were married in Las Vegas on March 7, 1947. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.
In 1949, Ruth and Ray welcomed their first child, Michele Re’ on July 31st. Three years later, in 1952, the couple had their second child, Gregory P on August 15th. They lived on Gregson Avenue until they had a new house built in Cottonwood Heights. The Malmberg Family moved to California in 1957 in order for Ray to pursue a better job opportunity for Standard Oil Company.
Ray suffered a sudden heart attack on March 17, 1958 (St. Patrick’s day) and passed away. After Ray’s death, Ruth and her two children moved back to Utah and their home in Cottonwood Heights.
While working as a volunteer “Pink Lady” at the snack bar in the LDS Hospital, Ruth was recruited by Dr. Warner and Dr. Toronto to work in the Heart Lab with them on their new research in heart catheterization. A few years later Ruth was recruited by Dr. Veasy to move to the Primary Children’s Hospital to support his work doing heart catheterizations on infant children. While working at the LDS hospital, Ruth met Clinton Day and later married him in 1967.
In 1969, Ruth invited one of Greg’s best friends, Burton Maxfield, to live with the family while he finished high school. He lived with them until he left on an LDS Mission in 1971. Ruth supported Michele through her graduation at Brigham Young University and Greg through a mission and graduation at the University of Utah. After Burton’s mission, he dated Michele and in May 1974 Burton and Michele were married.
In August 1978, Greg met Jan Sorenson and they were married in June 1979. Ruth made the comment that if things didn’t work out between Greg and Jan that she would keep Jan and Greg would be out the door. Ruth really liked Jan.
In 1980, Ruth and Clint parted ways. After the separation, Ruth moved to Old Farm Condominiums in Salt Lake City.
Ruth became a grandmother on October 30th, 1976 with the birth of Marli Re’. In 2003, Ruth became a great grandmother.
In 2007, a studio was built onto Burton and Michele’s house and Ruth moved in. The family is eternally grateful for all that Michele and Burton have done over the past ten years to care of Ruth.
Ruth passed away peacefully in the presence of family and loved ones on September 13, 2016.
Ruth is preceded in death by her loving husband Ray, parents, and siblings: Melvin C Phippen, Maurine Dunford, Shirley Sealy, Helen Phippen, Dona Andrews. She is also preceded by half-siblings: Becky Wixom, and Douglas Phippen.
Ruth is survived by her children and their spouses, Michele (Burton) Maxfield, Gregory (Jan) Malmberg, 6 grandchildren and their spouses, and 16 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by half-siblings: Earl (Marie) Phippen, Joan (Gary) Lindley, Gaylene (Rodney) Wright, Cora McKinney, David Phippen, Kathy (Jeffrey) Severe, and Julie Ball.
Through all the tough years many friends and family have always supported Ruth. Of special note are surviving brother McKay Phippen (wife Joyce) and sister Claudia King. Thank you so much.
Ruth, we are so grateful for your love, support and the influence you have had on our lives and you will be forever missed!
Viewing will be Friday, September 16, 2016, from 6-8 pm Mountain View Mortuary (3115 E. Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights). Funeral will be Saturday, September 17, 2016, at 11 am at the LDS church in Sandy (9150 S. 1300 E.), with viewing prior to services from 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Interment in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the amazing staff at Valeo Home Healthcare (hospice) and Ruth’s amazing family doctor, Dr. Douglas Vogeler.
Service Information
Viewing September 16, 2016 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, UT





Viewing September 17, 2016 at 9:00-10:30 am
LDS Church, 9150 South 1300 East, Sandy, UT





Funeral Service
September 17, 2016 at 11:00 AM
LDS Church, 9150 South 1300 East, Sandy, UT