Ruth del Carmen Arriola

Ruth (Rudie) Del Carmen Arriola, our loving friend, daughter, sister, and aunt passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 11th, 2021 in St. George, Utah. Ruth was born on April 9th, 1961 in Santa Ana, El Salvador to Jorge A. Arriola and Angelina Marroquin. She was the youngest of 4 children.

Ruth graduated high school from Liceo Santaneco in 1979, and in 1980, she moved to Utah to be with her mother and sister. As the family grew, Ruth quickly became the favorite aunt and second mother to her niece and nephews, who affectionately nicknamed her Rudie.

Rudie started her employment at Beehive Clothing Mills with the LDS church, and worked many other jobs afterwards before finding a love for law enforcement. She became a correctional officer for the Utah State of Corrections in 1998. She was quickly promoted to supervisor, and after attending the police academy, became an agent for Adult Probation and Parole for the State of Utah. Ruth was the first female in Utah to work with the U.S. Marshals as well. 

Ruth was very athletic and enjoyed everything about nature, particularly the warm weather. She was an avid hiker and biker, and enjoyed kayaking, golfing, and swimming as well. Throughout her life, Ruth overcame many physical trials, but she never let that stop her from doing what she loved. Once she committed to something, nothing (or no one) could tell her no! She proved that this year when she successfully completed a duathalon at the age of 59. 

Rudie was one of a kind and was the life of the party! Her laugh was so contagious and her storytelling skills were outmatched. She was always making people laugh and coming up with plans to try something new. She wasn't afraid of hard things and encouraged those she loved to challenge themselves as well. Her next plans were to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro! She was always our number one supporter in everything that we did, no matter what. 

The most important thing in Ruth's life was the relationships that she formed with her family and friends. Ruth touched the lives of so many people, and was such a great example to all. Everyone could feel her outpouring of unconditional love. This love and kindness did not know the limitations of color, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or stereotype. She truly and genuinely cared about others and made sure that everyone felt comfortable, loved, and wanted. Ruth loved babies, music, dancing, traveling, healthy food, the beach, and especially animals. Ruth enjoyed all the greatest things life has to offer and she lived her life to the fullest! 

Ruth is survived by her partner, Leanne Bennett, her mother, Angelina Marroquin, brother Jorge Arriola Jr., sister Lucy (Stan) Springer, niece Angie (Addison, Mia, Jackson), nephew Brian (Kameron), nephew Marcus (Nikki, Locklyn, Rogen, Romney, Ryott), numerous cousins and half siblings, several close friends, and of course her baby pups Olivia and Gigi. 

Ruth was a lover and strong advocate of animals. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate to the Humane Society of Utah. To make a donation in Ruth's name, visit www.utahhumane.org. 

A celebration of life will be held in Ruth's honor and memory. Information will be posted.