Logan- In the early morning hours of September 19th, on a beautiful and brisk autumn day, Ruth LaDawn Watterson Starks quietly slipped away at Logan Regional Hospital after courageously battling the affects of a ruptured brain aneurysm. LaDawn recently celebrated her 68th birthday on September 13th. She was born in Logan to Thom and Lenna Watterson, both of whom have preceded her in death.

LaDawn’s early years, as a farmer’s daughter, instilled in her a life-long passion for the beauty of the earth, and all “critters” thereon, how she loved living in Cache Valley. LaDawn was an educator by profession, and by nature. She graduated from Utah State University and moved to California to teach the 2nd grade.

While living in California, she met and married her eternal companion, Daniel Pence Starks, in the Los Angeles Temple on March 5th, 1960. She loves you so much “Danny Boy.”

Mom retired early from teaching to raise her family of four sons and two daughters, but she treated the vocation of “mom” with equal passion and discipline. Her legacy continues in the hearts of her children: Shawn (Logan), Mark (California), Rob and Rakele (Santa Quinn, UT), Holly (Logan), Bob and Connie (Logan), Heather and Brian Skalka (Pennsylvania), as well as her Sister Carolyn Watterson (Pleasant View, UT). If ever there was a role suited for LaDawn, it was that of “Gramma.” She adored her Fourteen Grandchildren, and would have done anything for their happiness; they reciprocated that love and thrived in her care.

LaDawn has a great love for learning, and shared with us her appreciation of good literature, art, and ever present uplifting music, (Christmas in July?)! She sang in many productions throughout High School, College, and enjoyed lending her voice to numerous local choirs and groups.

LaDawn demonstrated great faith throughout her life, and held numerous church positions. To hear her pray was to know of her convictions. Our paths may dissect for a time, but she taught us, in the end the journey remains the same. Love is no respecter of boundaries. You are always with us.

A celebration in LaDawn’s honor will be held Tuesday, September 23rd at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street, Logan from 6-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 24th at 12:00 pm at the Logan 13th Ward on 200 S. 100 E, with Bishop Stephen Brown conducting. Friends and family are welcome to call starting at 11 am. Interment will take place at the Lewiston, UT cemetery.

The family wishes to extend a heart felt thanks to all the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at University Hospital, Logan Nursing and Rehab, and Logan Regional Hospital. Thank you so much for taking such good care of her, and us!!