Tributes abound for Sister Faust

Sister Ruth Wright Faust was eulogized Wednesday as a woman whose deep faith in and love for God were the foundation for her happiness as a wife, mother and grandmother.

As the wife of the late President James E. Faust, former second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sister Faust built on the legacy of dedication and service she learned from her mother and grandmother, according to her daughters.

During funeral services at the Ensign LDS Stake Center, Janna F. Coombs described her mother's childhood memories of "kneeling beside her mother" as she was tutored in spiritual teaching. "In these quiet moments, her own testimony of the Savior was born.

"She knew who she was — a daughter of God. She understood her divine role" and was "never confused or distracted. Nothing competed or took away from that divine role," Coombs said.

Lisa F. Smith said her mother believed and taught the adage, "'You are only as happy as you think you are,' and she told us we need to make our own happiness. She always chose to be happy," and family members will remember "the warmth of her radiant smile."

Her distinguishing trait was to think of and serve others, Smith said, recalling how she and her siblings murmured when yet another homemade pie went out the door to cheer a neighbor or friend. As she aged, her service became focused on nurturing the spiritual needs of those around her.

LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson said Sister Faust was often the subject of her husband's conversation with members of the First Presidency after their formal meetings concluded, reflecting his deep love and admiration for her.

The quote by President Faust on the back of her funeral program expressed that love. "With all my heart I want to thank Ruth Wright Faust for letting me share her life and giving me the hope that we can share eternity together. She is more than a wife and a sweetheart, because she has become part of my very being."

She was a consistently happy woman "in whom there is no guile," President Monson said, adding, "I do not think for a moment her passing was untimely." Sister Faust is now with her husband in a "better world where there is no sickness or grief, only joy."

"I testify they have earned through their service the right to receive the word of the Lord, 'Well done thou good and faithful servant."' He urged their children and grandchildren to remain true to the legacy of faith and service their parents provided.