Deseret News | Sister Ruth Wright Faust, widow of Pres. James E. Faust, dies at 86

Reader comments
Sister Ruth Wright Faust, widow of Pres. James E. Faust, dies at 86

Rob | 9:05 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Together Forever!

Helen W Wells | 9:08 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

To the family of beloved Sister Ruth,
Our hearts go out to you at this time. Though you mourn her absence from you, nevertheless you must feel a joy to know she is now again with her sweetheart, President Faust.
I personally shall miss her sweet and welcoming smile and joyful nature. She was such a delight to have in our home, to travel with, and what a singular honor it was to have her for a dear and loving friend. I loved her with a deep love that one has for a saintly daughter of our Father in Heaven.

Nigeria | 9:20 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

To the Faust Family,
The saints from Ibadan, Nigeria Send our love over these many miles. As the Fausts made so many visits here to Lagos. We loved and appreciated thier service and felt of thier love.
We joy in the fact they are now together again.

Comments continue below

David in CA | 10:24 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

May Sister Ruth and Brother James E. Faust have a great Re-Uniting. Happy Together again Forever...

God Bless the Faust Family!

Anonymous | 11:02 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Another couple of love birds reunited again. I am sure they are hanging out with the Hinckleys now!

? | 12:49 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

SO????

jph1223 | 1:26 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

I served my mission in Rio de Janiero, Brazil from '75 - '77 when Pres. Faust was then an Assistant to the Twelve. He was the area superivosor for South America. They were such a nice couple. I remember Sister Faust being so personable, When I met her I felt like I had been a member of her ward my whole life. My best wishes to the Faust family in their losses is such a short period of time.

Relocated Southerner | 3:50 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

To ? -- She was a prominent citizen of Utah married to a prominent leader of the predominant church here, so it is newsworthy to a large portion of the population. Stop being so callous about news reporting of LDS church members. My heart goes out to her children who have lost both their parents within six months of each other. May the exemplary lives their parents led bring them comfort at this time in their lives.

suzyk | 6:01 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

To "?" Your lack of respect, sensitivity and concern for this article deserves no comment.

Shawn | 7:08 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Thats sad to hear. President Faust is now with his beloved Ruth.

May the Faust and Wright family find comfort in knowing that they are having a happy reunion up in heaven.

JordanScotland | 7:25 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

condolences to the faust family from Scotland. What is goin on? our church are dropping like flies!!

Wyo Reader | 7:50 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Sister Faust was a special friend to my mother. They served together in the Relief Society in the Millcreek Stake many years ago. She was the sweetest lady and I am so grateful for her association with my mother. My deepest sympathies to the Faust Family. What a joyous reunion!

Role Models | 8:18 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Thank you Pres and Sis Faust for your love and teachings. What wonderful role models we have lost here on earth. We seem to be loosing wonderful christlike people who we all should be trying our hardest to model our lives after. I do not understand anyone who would have a negative thing to say about such wonderful people who have made our world a better place and truly have been a role model to live our lives after. It is so sad to me that there is so much attention given to the evils of the world and not much is said, I guess it may be because the ones that would say anything about the evils are to busy following wonderful people like the Fausts, the Hinckleys, the prophets and apostles who try so hard and sacrifice all so that we will be inspired and through there council strive to make our lives better. Thank you to our wonderful role models we love you.

CougarKeith | 8:41 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Behind every great man are two things, Great Parents, and a GREAT WOMAN. Thank you sister Faust.

Anonymous | 9:47 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

With all due respect, we are no loosing anyone. They are alive, in a different sphere, but they still exist. For those who appreciate them, we should considered blessed for having the opportunity of knowing them, enjoyed them, and setting such a nice example to us. We know they love the church members very us and we are grateful for that. They live! that's the beauty of this gospel. They are being missed but we will meet them again and that time for all eternity. Isn't that great?

Anonymous | 10:34 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Is Colleen Maxwell the only living apostles widow now? I don't know if richard l evans widow is alive or noot still. Would be only one.

Charles Defranchi | 4:16 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

I felt tremendous respect and appreciation for Elder Faust ever since I read his book, "To Reach Even Unto You." It is comforting in times when so many marriages experience severe challenges to witness that it does not have to be that way, but that sweetness can become the essence of a relationship between man and woman throughout an entire life. This model inspires us and elevates our thoughts so much higher than all the series and novels currently portraying couples.

Charles Defranchi
Paris, France

Jennifer | 12:20 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

A wonderful marriage we should all aspire to, an example of true dedication and unconditional love to one another.

Kathi B. Weir | 1:06 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Our condolences to the Faust and Wright families at the passing of their beloved Ruth. Sister Faust was a sweet loving woman who exemplified Christlike love. How blessed we are to know of the reunion that has taken place with her husband and family and the great reunion that will occur when we all meet again. Thank you Sister Faust for your wonderful example.

Lynne, New Zealand | 1:14 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

I am sad to hear of Sister Faust's passing, but happy to know of their joyful reunion in heaven. It is the beautiful examples of our leaders lives that give us hope for the future, and an example that we can all strive to achieve ourselves. What a special couple they were/are to have such a wonderful and deep love that a simple thing like a photograph can still bring tears to one of them after so many years of marriage. How blessed they are to have shared such a profound and special relationship. I know Heavenly Father will be so pleased at the way they lived their lives and the wonderful example they have left for family, friends and all peoples of the world to follow. I pray that Heavenly Father will wrap the Faust family in the arms of His love at this sad time for them.

The Stack Family | 1:43 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

They were a sweet couple. We were sad to hear about her passing, however we know she will be with her husband. I can see Brother Faust, Sister Faust, Sister Hinkley and Pres. Hinkley join together in heaven. This must be a blessed day for them all. I know we will see them again, and it will be a blessed day for all. I can't wait to meet prophets of old (Nephi, etc.).

Let us all remember those who have came before us.

Mike and Sarah Voisin | 1:45 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

I would like to extend our sincerely condolences to the entire Faust family. Our son Gregory served a mission in Brazil with the Faust's grandson, Jason. While serving in Brazil President and Sister Faust visited their grandson and my son ... and I have always been so thankful for the love and hugs they gave to my dear son while he was so far away from home. That visit made such an impression on my son.. he adored them both and so do we. My son still says to this day that the reason President Faust was such an impressive man was because of his wife...he said she gave great hugs and so did he...they were such friends even after the mission. As a parent I will forever be grateful to the love and encouragement that they so lovingly gave to my son. We are from Louisiana, first generation converts...so the love of a grandparent-like person in his life that was L.D.S. was wonderful... God Bless you all... special love to Jason and Jana Sincerely Sarah and Mike Voisin and family

Sharann, Washington | 2:05 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Well, I guess when President Hinckley arrived, the Hinckleys and President Faust saw how wonderful it was to have both spouses together again, that they
called for Sister Faust! Eternal companions and eternal friends. How wonderful!!!! They are now associating with the prophets and families of all the dispensations. Thank you, LDS Living for sharing important Church news so quickly with the world-wide Church.

pat hicks | 2:33 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

I have thought many times of our Prophet, the Apostles, the Seventy and the great work they all do, and know that there is a great woman beside each one of them. If every woman could pattern herself as they are, this world would be a better place.
We love you Sister Faust.

Jon | 2:53 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Interesting exactly 6 months apart. I had a beloved aunt and uncle who passed 1 month and 2 days apart (Dec-Jan) several years ago. She passed first. Also I know of a couple who passed a few years ago within 2 days of each other and the viewing and funeral were one. Finally, Grandmother passed away on mother's birthday. Mother preceded her almost 20 years ago.

Anonymous | 3:00 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Many years ago I met Elder Faust at a youth conference in Palmyra. I felt like he could read my heart. At that time I had a word of wisdom problem and during his address to all of us he said "I wish that there were a sign outside every chapel that said smokers welcome." His address was on Reaching the One. I felt his love reaching out to me which gave me the strength to overcome smoking and later I was able to serve a mission. What a wonderful example of love and kindness. I didn't have the priveledge of meeting your mother but it is evident that she was an exceptional person. My condolences on the loss of your parents in so short a time. May your lives be continually blessed by their example.Sincerely With Love, Your sister in the Gospel.

Gates Family | 3:08 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

We are so sorry for the loss of a wonderful woman but what an amazing blessing to not have to live her life long without her wonderful companion. We all know there is a celebration in heaven with them reuniting. What a wonderful example of strength she was to support such a wonderful man. Your in our prayers.
Gates Gang

Jackie O | 3:48 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

How fortunate we are to have had the blessing of knowing the Fausts and the Hinkleys during our lifetime! There words have always been a comfort and a joy to hear. My condolences to the Wright and Faust families for the loss of their beloved Ruth. "Families can be together forever".

Cabral Family | 4:17 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

We are so sorry for Sister Faust passing away... They were good friends of us and we will miss them a lot. They`ve been such a good exemple to us and our country while serving in Brazil.
We loved them and we will follow their teachings. Our condolences to her family for their loss.

Stephanie H | 4:35 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Yes, we are so fortunate to have some truly amazing examples of Christ's love for all. It is so wonderful to know that they are together again! I can only imagine the joy they both felt at seeing one another again.

Lajla Mac Donald | 4:52 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all the way from Western Australia. A great good has left the earth. May her example and memories be ever in our hearts and minds

Anonymous | 4:48 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

know that you are all in our prayers during your loss. both your parents shall be missed greatly.
the Williams

Jennifer M. | 4:55 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

May our Father in Heaven send his comfort and peace to you at this time, however, we are sure you are rejoicing that she is once again with our dear, sweet President Faust. We miss him. I know they are so happy and how blest we are to KNOW of the eternity for us all if we do our part. We loved your father and mother and thank you for sharing them with us for so many years.

anymous | 5:55 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

To President and Sister Faust's family. May our Father in Heaven be with you all at this time. Although, you will miss them both, just know that they are very excited to be reunited again. We sure will miss her and we sure miss President Faust. Much love to all.

Anonymous | 6:49 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

I hope and pray that my husband I can have that same kind of marriage President Faust and his wife had. I will always remember them, as a loving and sharing couple. What a wonderful testiment to a celestial union. God Bless. Glenn & Joni Marie Watson

Terrell & Linda from AZ | 6:54 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Our condolences to the family. What a beautiful example this extraordinary couple exemplified! May your faith and memories sustain you until you meet your loved ones again!
God be with you....

The Barnes family | 7:51 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Our love and regards go out to the Faust and Wright families. We are sure it was a joyous greeting Sister Faust received from Pres. Faust and other family members and the Hinckleys when she crossed through the barrier from this life to the next. We are grateful for Our Heavenly Father's Great Plan of Happiness. Knowing it, makes the death of a loved one much easier to bare. May God bless and comfort you.

Anonymous | 7:58 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

I had the privilege of once hearing both President and Sister Faust speak in a regional conference at the Conference Center. Sister Faust gave such a beautiful testimony that touched many of us. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a deep love of the Church and the people within it (and those of other faiths too). God bless the Faust family at this time.

Judith from Redding | 10:33 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

President Faust dedicated our Medford Temple. A few months later I was in Salt Lake City going to the Legacy theater. I was in line when a very tall man ahead of me stopped. My daughter said "It's President Faust. After the movie was over everyone hurried to speak to him. I saw his wife standing quietly to one side so I went to speak to her. I told her my daughter had been the first bride at the Medford temple and we talked about it. Suddenly she looked over my shoulder and gave a big smile. President Faust was looking for her and had come over to her. We talked for a few minutes. What a gracious couple!!!

Jacqi Daum | 10:36 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

I would like to say thanks to the family for sharing their Mother and Father with the world. The world is a much better place because you shared. I will miss them but also I am glad for them and the joy that they are having. Love to all!

grandmaKP, Washington | 10:07 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

We had the privilege to have Pres. Faust preside at our stake conference just before he was called into the First Presidency. He had a wonderful sweet spirit about him and he left us with an apostolic blessing which is marked in my scriptures to this day. Our son crossed his path in the hallway and Pres. Faust took the time to speak with him. Our son would soon be leaving on a mission. What a wonderful legacy we have in the Fausts and the Hinckleys.

Sister Jerry Gunn | 1:40 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

I have a great love for your mother. I cherish the time we worked together in the Millcreek Stake Relief Society. We became close friends and spent some good times together. I tried to reach her after the passing of Pres. Faust, but was unable to contact her. He was also a wonderful friend to my husband, Hal, and me. My husband was serving as the Single's Ward Bishop at the time. We attended many Church activities together.
I was amazed at the wonderful homemaker she was (marvelling that she still used a hand-beater to beat her whip cream).
She was a lovely woman and I adored her.
I know there was a sweet reunion when she joined your father. They had such a great love for each other and for the gospel.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Rich & Sharon Hardy | 11:39 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

We remember Thursday, April 11th, at the Bountiful Temple when President and Sister Faust were attending the endowment for their grandson, who was preparing to go to the Soviet Union (as I recall) as a missionary. We all waited quietly in our seats, then President Faust walked in and the session began.

Afterwards, we happened to be in the elevator with President and Sister Faust. An exhilarating moment of a lifetime! She had the most full, glowing smile. All Rich could think to say was, "The gospel is true!" He agreed, with his own huge smile, and added, "There's more; much, much more."

We smiled to each other as hearts spoke to hearts, the elevator door opened, and they joined their family.

Sara Tempest | 5:13 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I love the fausts so much and have been thinking of you while I am so far died. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to meet her this year. What a remarkable woman and love story this darling couple shared. I am happy they are together again and know their legacy will carry on through their family. My prayers are with you.

sharon Owens from CA | 9:39 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Thank you to the Faust Family for sharing their wonderful parents with all of us. They were such an example of love and devotion. Bless you all with the same strength and love that your parents had to get you through this difficult time. And rejoice in knowing that their reunion will be sweet.

Ruth Bagley Jacobson | 11:08 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I grew up in the Faust's stake and ward. I remember listening to Pres. Faust in stake conference. I remember how kind Sister Faust always was. I felt it a priviledge to share her name. While I was a young mother living by Granite High School, I was serving in our Ward's RS nursery and she was in the Stake Relief Society Presidency there to visit. I felt so honored that she remembered me and gave me a hug. My father, David Bagley, would sell them 'Republican' potatoes from our ranch/farm and Sister Faust would make him 'Democratic' pies. I enjoyed seeing there fun bantering. Our love and prayers are with the wonderful Faust family. Thanks for sharing your parents with us!

Mary Kidd from Louisiana | 10:26 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I have been praying for Sis. Faust and her family ever since Bro. Faust' passing last summer. I know she is happy now; just as Pres. Hinckley and his sweet wife. They are all together and it gives me sweet peace. How blessed their families are to have had them as long as they did. How blessed we have been as church family members to have known them all and learned more about our Father in Heaven from them. Our prayers will continue with you famiy members. God bless and keep you safe.

Linda M Phillips | 10:34 p.m. Feb. 18, 2008

I so appreciate the beautiful love story the Fausts shared with the world. When marriage is done right everything falls together with their family and the home. It is written for the world to witness now and make a pattern in their own lives. I am grateful that Father put me here at this time to learn and grow from the Faust's example. I am grateful that just a short 6 earthly months passed between their passings so they could be together again. What a marvelous testimony to the strength of their love for each other and the Lord.

maur | 12:12 p.m. April 1, 2008

Behind every great woman are two things, Great Parents, and a GREAT man.

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3 photos

Brian Nicholson, Deseret News

The flag from the casket of Pres. James E. Faust is given to his wife Ruth, center, at a graveside service last August. Sister Faust died Sunday morning.

Gallery (3 photos)