For weeks, Ruth Larsen Eschler made threats that she was breaking out of her care facility. She was tired of being cooped up and wanted to head up into the mountains again—or at least to the Hogle Zoo. Her plans included a variety of animal accomplices from Cupcake the Elephant and Cuddles the Tiger to Aloysius the Bear. But unfortunately, they weren't available for the great escape, so Mom went with another plan.

Nope, she wasn't going to be bossed around by her son or others who told her she needed to be patient; so, like with most things in life, Mom got her way. She escaped this world on the morning of November 30, 2020 to find her sweetheart Harold—because we're all certain he was getting into some sort of mischief and needed managing. In death she was surrounded by the things that brought her joy in life, namely pictures of family, books, music, and lots of stuffed animals.

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On November 16, 1939, God brought Ariel and Vera Larsen a darling bundle of piss and vinegar to complete their family (Austin, Paul, Dean, and Genniel) in Vineyard—also known as "Zion Country," according to Mom. Mom was the baby of the family, with sixteen years between her and her oldest brother, and her parents spoiled and doted on her as much as any parents could during the volatile times of WWII. Mom's childhood and teenage years were split between the family farm in Vineyard and, later, the big city of Orem. These were perfect settings for a girl like Mom, who entertained herself with her animals (chiefly cats), singing, games, family, and the occasional trip with her parents to see the wide world. Despite some medical problems as a child, Mom was undeterred from embracing an unbounded life filled with smiles, laughing, joy, and song.

As an adolescent and young adult, she began perfecting the craft of being an aunt. Mom always had friends she loved, supported, and cared for, but the needs and joys of her family were first and foremost in her life. Once assuming the title of "Aunt Ruth," Mom's cherished name never left her. Almost uncannily, she seemed magical in her ability to catalog and recall all of the important dates and events relevant to her immediate family, her nieces and nephews, and their children in turn; not to mention long-deceased ancestors. A giver of gifts, a writer of cards, and a giver of bear hugs was Aunt Ruth to her family.

In the late 1950s, after she graduated from Orem High—the "home of the Tigers," a fact Mother was always very proud to tell anyone—she began at LDS Business College and boarded with other young ladies at the Beehive House. It was during her time in Salt Lake City that she met and fell in love with Harold Eschler, a humble man who, like Ruth, exuded a love of life, singing, and family—and who cherished her. They were married May 11, 1961 and enjoyed fifty-one glorious years together of singing, laughing, and going on adventures.

Even though Mom loved her family and enjoyed every opportunity to occupy the role of Aunt Ruth, she desperately wanted to create her own family with Harold. It was nearly a seventeen-year wait, but her first and only son Bruce finally decided to come into their lives. From then to her homecoming, a day never passed where Mom failed to call or reach out by letter to her son—and eventually to his own little family. Being an aunt was great training for becoming a deeply caring, devoted, and loyal mother and grandmother.

As a mother she understood the importance of supporting but not determining who her son would become. Like herself, she wanted her son to go his own way. Ruth therefore encouraged her son's interests, but also fostered in him in a love of learning, school, books, music, fun, movies, Yellowstone, Disneyland, and family history.

Earthly notoriety was not Mom's legacy in this world. Just like she started life as a little farm girl from a small town, she left this life with very few worldly riches or accolades. Instead, Mom's legacy is the impact she had on others and her joy in eternal families she so frequently shared. She touched the hearts of family and friends through her compassion, singular wit, fierce devotion to and advocacy for loved ones, and her angelic voice.

As a family, we are grateful for the time we had with her and take solace in knowing she is with her beloved sweetheart again. In life they sang Handel's Messiah in the Oratorio Society for nearly two decades. We are confident she is belting out her clear and crisp soprano high notes again in praise and glory.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Eschler; parents, Ariel and Vera Larsen; three siblings: Austin, Dean, and Genniel; extended family; and a host of pet cats and dogs. Mom is survived by her brother Paul; her son, Bruce Harold Eschler; daughter-in-law Angela Eschler; grandson Kaj Eschler; and granddog Healy.

With Ruth's passing, we also want to extend our sincere appreciation for the staff of Pointe Meadows Health and Rehabilitation for the care they gave Mom while she was a resident—and especially for the last eight months during the COVID pandemic.

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Given the state's COVID restrictions there will be a modified viewing at Wing Mortuary, 118 East Main, Lehi, on Monday, December 7, from 6:00–8:00 pm. State guidelines require the wearing of masks, social distancing, and limited attendance. To this end, we ask family and friends to stagger their arrival by surname (A–G, 6:00–6:30; H–M, 6:30–7:00; N–S, 7:00–7:30; T–Z, 7:30–8:00). The following day, a graveside service for close family will take place at the Lehi Cemetery.

In lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation in Mom's name to the Humane Society of Utah . Mom deeply loved all the kitties and puppies of the world and it would be a fitting tribute.