A tribute to the life and legacy of Ruth Mildred Albrecht was held at the Yellow Dog Ranch in Wellsville, Utah, on Saturday afternoon, March 31, 2007. Family members and close friends gathered to celebrate her extraordinary life and recollect memories of her to share with future generations.

This hardy Czechoslovakian woman was never at a loss for words, and words are what will keep her alive in our memories, for Ruth was a storyteller. She enchanted her family with stories of her childhood growing up in Chicago, and spending her summers at the cottage in Algonquin, Illinois. She told of her love for her handsome husband, Raymond Louis Albrecht, being newly married and sending him off to Europe in World War II to fight under General Patton. Ruth often spoke of raising their five children in Crystal Lake, Illinois and laughed, laughed, laughed about all the shenanigans they tried to pull (one can only imagine …). She spoke little of the loss of their son Rick in 1973, but would hold out her hand and say that losing a child was like having one of her fingers cut off.

As years passed, her children sent their children over to Granny's house to understand the doctrine of being Czechoslovakian, to eat the food, to hear the stories, to feel her warmth, and to learn of her family. To sit on her swing on the front porch on summer evenings watching the fireflies and listening to her voice...

Likewise, we all knew we were trouble when she shook her finger at us. She swore in Czech, smoked Virginia Slims, enjoyed the occasional Old Milwaukee, loved the Chicago Cubs and gave everything to her family. She worked very hard and taught all to be honest (although in her later years she quite often cheated at Solitaire). Her radio was always on and tuned to the music of the 40's and 50's, especially, The Mills brothers, Dean Martin, Big Band Jazz, Jitterbug and Swing. She danced with her daughters until the end of her life.

So, like always Mom, we are telling you how much we love you and blowing you a kiss. You are, and will always be, what keeps our family together. And, don't worry. We promise to continue telling your stories to our grandchildren...

Ruth is survived by her four children: Raymond M. Albrecht, Ruthann Fitch, Rene S, Unger, and Randee A, Haberstick; fourteen grandchildren, and; fourteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond L. Albrecht, and her BELOVED son, Richard L. Albrecht.

In Ruth's honor the "Ruth M. Albrecht Memorial Tree Fund" has been established. Donations in the form of a personal check made out to Ruthann Fitch and can be sent to: 3359 West 3500 South, Wellsville, Utah 84339.