Ruth Steel

Ruth Steel, 86, of Idaho Falls, passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones, on April 10, 2026.

Ruth was born October 3, 1939, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to LLoyd Mickelsen and Reva Wilmore Mickelsen. She grew up and attended schools in Idaho Falls, Idaho, graduating from Idaho Falls High School in 1958.

On March 24, 1960, she was married and sealed to her sweetheart, Job Coleman “J.C.” Steel, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. From this union came eight children: daughter, Jerilyn (Todd) Hatch of Idaho Falls, ID, daughter, Kathy (Jeff) McGary of Taylor, UT, son, Kevin (Jill) Steel of Idaho Falls, ID, daughter, Julene (Creg) Shaffer of Gardnerville, NV, son, Doug (Kassie) Steel of Idaho Falls, ID, son, Alan (Becky) Steel of Idaho Falls, ID, daughter, Lori Steel of Idaho Falls, ID, and son, Lane (Robyn) Steel of Menan, ID.

Ruth was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held a variety of callings where she served lovingly and faithfully. She served diligently in every organization of the church, including temple service alongside J.C., her sweetheart. Ruth and J.C. served an LDS mission in the Stockholm Sweden Temple from June 1998 to December 1999. They enjoyed their time so much that they returned to service for 3 months during the summer of 2000.

Her faith was the foundation of everything she did, and that spirit of dedication carried into every aspect of her daily life. Ruth enjoyed working alongside her husband farming in the Malta, Rexburg and Osgood areas for 50 years, and while she took great pride in that work, her most cherished career was Mother. Not only was Ruth a wonderful mother, she was also a loving wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Ruth was known to say that her greatest accomplishment in life was her beautiful family.

Ruth would fill her days with gospel study, service, sewing projects, baking breads or goodies for family and friends, working in the yard or garden, and spending time with those she loved. She enjoyed long talks, late night games, nature walks, golf cart rides, frog hunting, reading a good book, and being surrounded with good company.

Ruth is survived by 128 loving family members: 8 children, and 7 sons and daughters-in-law; 31 grandchildren and 23 spouses; and 59 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: sister, Faye Andrus, brother, Lynn (Jeanine) Mickelsen, brother, Dale (Quenalee) Mickelsen, sister, Maureen (Vynn) Berg; sister-in-law, SanaRae (Kent) Davenport, and sister-in-law, Shirley Steel.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, LLoyd Mickelsen and Reva Wilmore Mickelsen; and her husband of 64 years, J.C. Steel.

Ruth leaves behind a legacy of faith, and the love of people, nature, and service.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Old Butte Ward, 1345 Clarence in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services, both visitations at the church. The services will be broadcast Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hammar, Dr. Adams, and Solace Hospice for their care during Ruth’s final weeks.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.