Ruth Ann England

Ruth Ann England

1944 - 2025

Ruth passed away peacefully in St. George, Utah on December 23 with her children and grandchildren by her side, from Alzheimer's disease.

Born September 1, 1944 in Tooele, Utah to Harold England and Ruth Anderson, Ruth Ann grew up in Dugway. In school, she was athletic, kind and accepting, the first to befriend a new kid. She graduated from BYU with a degree in Health and Physical Education and taught PE at Woodward Junior High in St. George. Here she met and married Robert Dalton, a teacher at Dixie College and single father to three young sons. Together, Bob and Ruth had two children. Later they divorced.

A Girl Scout and camp counselor in her youth, Ruth lead a Girl Scout Troop for her daughter and other local girls. Much of the learning took place in nature while camping and hiking. Ruth was determined to spread her passion for outdoor adventure to the next generation. Her son earned his Eagle Scout award.

Ruth co-founded a hiking club in St. George. She married fellow hiker, John Van Cleve and moved to Cortez, Colorado where together they traveled the Four Corners and the world hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and trekking. Later they divorced. Ruth Ann formed another hiking group in Cortez. She happily dedicated her time and talent to the GALs, introducing them not only to the joy of hiking in mountains and canyons, but also to the rewards of sharing it with other women. This group of supportive women is still going strong 27 years later. At home and between hikes, she discovered her talent for landscaping and designing/sewing doll clothes and accessories for grandkids.

Ruth Ann trekked to the base camp of Mt. Everest and backpacked the 470-mile Colorado Trail, both feats after she battled and beat late-stage colon cancer and breast cancer. Her courage was inspirational and she chose the most invasive and aggressive treatments with no delay. She said, "Cancer is just another disease. You treat it, get rid of it, and get on with your life."

Ruth Ann was authentic and had her own identity. She was strong and courageous, practical and artistic, kind, thoughtful, and smart. And unaware of much of that, so a very nice person to be around as well. She never surrendered to difficulties and illnesses during her life. She was a grateful survivor who with dementia still knew it was important for her to exercise.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Susan England Dalton, her son, Ben Dalton (Candice Terry), her grandchildren, Zoa (Peter Neve), Drake, Aven Ruth, and Dax, and stepsons, Jeff Dalton (Terry), Lincoln Dalton (Cindy), and Nate Dalton (Shauna). We extend a sincere thank you to caregivers, Lu and Carline, and our hospice nurses, Niki and Sam. All provided kindness, compassion, and friendship to Ruth and Susan.

At her request, Ruth will be cremated. There will be a small gathering of family and friends in June when the wildflowers are blooming. She loved her pet cats and all cats in need of rescue, supported animal protection, wilderness preservation, and women's rights. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a non-profit organization. Arrangements for cremation made under the direction of Hughes Mortuary in St. George, Utah.