Ruth Emma Hudson Hale was born in Utah on October 14, 1908, the adopted daughter of William and Edith Binnall Hudson of Granger, Utah.
She passed away peacefully at the Age Of 94 on Easter Morning, April 20, 2003 at the Highland Cove Care Center Due To Complications From A Stroke.
Acting was Ruth's life long passion. One of her earliest memories was climbing to the top of the haystack on her father's farm in Granger, Utah, on moonlit nights to perform on her makeshift stage with chickens as her fellow actors. From this humble theatrical background Ruth along with her future husband, James Nathan Hale, became Utah's most prolific playwrights and two of the country's most successful community theater founders.
Farm life taught her the meaning of hard work and her drive to excel led to a lifetime of accomplishments...Ruth was a graduate of the University of Utah teacher's program where she played tennis for the U of U women's team. Her father thought teaching was a good, sensible profession, but Ruth's dream remained the stage.
Ruth began teaching third grade in Hunter, Utah. Then in 1929...as witness of her life-long valiance for the Savior...Ruth served in the Eastern States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon returning, she resumed teaching at Cyprus High School. After some time, Ruth eyed a handsome, young returned missionary whose family had moved to the area from Star Valley, Wyoming. After 'letting' him beat her at a game of tennis, the two began a storied courtship and shared the stage together for the first time in a summer play. Nathan became the love of her life and on December 22, 1933, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. After that event, one cannot speak of Ruth without Nathan because they worked hand in hand at home, in church, and in business through 61 glorious years of union.
Early in their marriage, the Hales were called as drama directors for the Granger First Ward by Bishop Bangerter. He said that because of the financial crunch of the Depression, the Ward could not afford the $25.00 for a royalty play so he told Ruth and Nathan to write one. Their first effort was called, Handcart Trails, based on the experience of early Mormon pioneers. The play was performed by the 'Granger Thespians' throughout the Salt Lake Valley and was purchased and published in a church book of plays. This ignited a creative gift of more than 80 comedies and musicals. Among publishers is Samuel French, Inc. In the 1950's, one of their plays was produced for national television's Kraft Theater.
After Nathan worked at 'Utah Copper' for 10 years, the two left for California to fulfill Nathan's dream to be in the movies. They had heard there was a shortage of leading men in Hollywood because of World War II and since they had four children, Nate was classified 4F and couldn't serve in the War.
Nate was milkman in the early morning hours so he could perform and audition at night. Ruth continued to write comedies. A desire grew to once again produce their own works. They opened the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale, California in 1947. Still successfully operating by family members today, it remains the longest continuously running theater in the round in the United States and the longest continuously operating theater of any kind in California.
In 1979, they were called to serve a mission for the LDS Church in Nauvoo. Their assignment was to reinstate theatre in the Old Cultural Hall as it was in the early days of the Saints. The vignettes they penned are still in use today.
Upon returning home, they retired from the theater business only to find retirement boring...so in their mid-70's, Ruth and Nathan began another theater in South Salt Lake With family members as partners. The Hale Centre Theatre opened its doors July 12, 1985 and because of landmark success, expanded twice. In 1998, their legacy met its dream when their love for theater came full circle in a new, state of the art facility only 2 miles from Ruth's first haystack stage - now West Valley City, Utah. The West Valley City theater is currently second only to the Utah Symphony in attendance of the arts in Utah. Their remarkable legacy has spread with a successful theatre in Orem, Utah and a new theatre to open this summer in Gilbert, Arizona - both operated by Hale family members. All of the theaters specialize in theatre for the family audience.
Ruth and Nathan loved their ranch in beautiful Grover, Utah. Every summer since the late 1960's, they have produced plays for the people of Southern Utah either in Grover's old school house or a rough-hewn theatre Ruth and Nathan built on ranch land.
Ruth was recipient of numerous awards including PBS Peabody, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Days of '47 Pioneer of Progress Award for the State of Utah, a Presidential Citation from Brigham Young University, the first Larry H. Miller Free Enterprise Award, and a Utah Governor's Mansion Artist Award. While presenting one of the medals to Ruth in 1999, Utah Governor Mike Leavitt said, "Ruth may have added more to theatre than any other living Utahn."
Ruth and Nathan's true joy, however, has been their family - many have cultivated the same love for theater and writing. From seven children they have 129 offspring. Days at "the ranch" encircled by faith and family were heaven to them. The many actors who worked on Hale stages over the last 70 years have also become adopted family members. Ruth is affectionately known as "Grandma Hale" to hundreds. She and Nathan have dearly loved their "theatre family". Grandma wishes to thank them all. She always said, "I hope my street in heaven will be lined with actors. They are the most interesting people I know!" She also wishes to thank the millions of patrons who have come to her productions over the years and have brought her boundless joy.
It is fitting that Ruth left us on Easter Morning, emphasizing her unshakeable testimony of the life, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was to His work she dedicated her life.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan (1994), a son, Terry (who died shortly after birth in 1936), a great-granddaughter, Haley Cresap (2000), and a brother, Eugene Hudson (1999).
Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 25th, 2003, at 12 Noon, at the Taylorsville Stake Center, 1399 West 4800 South in Taylorsville, Utah. A Viewing was held on Thursday Evening, April 24th, from 5-8 P.M. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road in Taylorsville. A Viewing was also held on Friday Morning from 10-11:45 A.M. at the Taylorsville Stake Center, Prior To Services.
Graveside Services followed at the Taylorsville Memorial Park where she was buried beside her Beloved Husband, Nathan and her Son, William Terry.
REST IN PEACE.
She passed away peacefully at the Age Of 94 on Easter Morning, April 20, 2003 at the Highland Cove Care Center Due To Complications From A Stroke.
Acting was Ruth's life long passion. One of her earliest memories was climbing to the top of the haystack on her father's farm in Granger, Utah, on moonlit nights to perform on her makeshift stage with chickens as her fellow actors. From this humble theatrical background Ruth along with her future husband, James Nathan Hale, became Utah's most prolific playwrights and two of the country's most successful community theater founders.
Farm life taught her the meaning of hard work and her drive to excel led to a lifetime of accomplishments...Ruth was a graduate of the University of Utah teacher's program where she played tennis for the U of U women's team. Her father thought teaching was a good, sensible profession, but Ruth's dream remained the stage.
Ruth began teaching third grade in Hunter, Utah. Then in 1929...as witness of her life-long valiance for the Savior...Ruth served in the Eastern States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon returning, she resumed teaching at Cyprus High School. After some time, Ruth eyed a handsome, young returned missionary whose family had moved to the area from Star Valley, Wyoming. After 'letting' him beat her at a game of tennis, the two began a storied courtship and shared the stage together for the first time in a summer play. Nathan became the love of her life and on December 22, 1933, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. After that event, one cannot speak of Ruth without Nathan because they worked hand in hand at home, in church, and in business through 61 glorious years of union.
Early in their marriage, the Hales were called as drama directors for the Granger First Ward by Bishop Bangerter. He said that because of the financial crunch of the Depression, the Ward could not afford the $25.00 for a royalty play so he told Ruth and Nathan to write one. Their first effort was called, Handcart Trails, based on the experience of early Mormon pioneers. The play was performed by the 'Granger Thespians' throughout the Salt Lake Valley and was purchased and published in a church book of plays. This ignited a creative gift of more than 80 comedies and musicals. Among publishers is Samuel French, Inc. In the 1950's, one of their plays was produced for national television's Kraft Theater.
After Nathan worked at 'Utah Copper' for 10 years, the two left for California to fulfill Nathan's dream to be in the movies. They had heard there was a shortage of leading men in Hollywood because of World War II and since they had four children, Nate was classified 4F and couldn't serve in the War.
Nate was milkman in the early morning hours so he could perform and audition at night. Ruth continued to write comedies. A desire grew to once again produce their own works. They opened the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale, California in 1947. Still successfully operating by family members today, it remains the longest continuously running theater in the round in the United States and the longest continuously operating theater of any kind in California.
In 1979, they were called to serve a mission for the LDS Church in Nauvoo. Their assignment was to reinstate theatre in the Old Cultural Hall as it was in the early days of the Saints. The vignettes they penned are still in use today.
Upon returning home, they retired from the theater business only to find retirement boring...so in their mid-70's, Ruth and Nathan began another theater in South Salt Lake With family members as partners. The Hale Centre Theatre opened its doors July 12, 1985 and because of landmark success, expanded twice. In 1998, their legacy met its dream when their love for theater came full circle in a new, state of the art facility only 2 miles from Ruth's first haystack stage - now West Valley City, Utah. The West Valley City theater is currently second only to the Utah Symphony in attendance of the arts in Utah. Their remarkable legacy has spread with a successful theatre in Orem, Utah and a new theatre to open this summer in Gilbert, Arizona - both operated by Hale family members. All of the theaters specialize in theatre for the family audience.
Ruth and Nathan loved their ranch in beautiful Grover, Utah. Every summer since the late 1960's, they have produced plays for the people of Southern Utah either in Grover's old school house or a rough-hewn theatre Ruth and Nathan built on ranch land.
Ruth was recipient of numerous awards including PBS Peabody, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Days of '47 Pioneer of Progress Award for the State of Utah, a Presidential Citation from Brigham Young University, the first Larry H. Miller Free Enterprise Award, and a Utah Governor's Mansion Artist Award. While presenting one of the medals to Ruth in 1999, Utah Governor Mike Leavitt said, "Ruth may have added more to theatre than any other living Utahn."
Ruth and Nathan's true joy, however, has been their family - many have cultivated the same love for theater and writing. From seven children they have 129 offspring. Days at "the ranch" encircled by faith and family were heaven to them. The many actors who worked on Hale stages over the last 70 years have also become adopted family members. Ruth is affectionately known as "Grandma Hale" to hundreds. She and Nathan have dearly loved their "theatre family". Grandma wishes to thank them all. She always said, "I hope my street in heaven will be lined with actors. They are the most interesting people I know!" She also wishes to thank the millions of patrons who have come to her productions over the years and have brought her boundless joy.
It is fitting that Ruth left us on Easter Morning, emphasizing her unshakeable testimony of the life, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was to His work she dedicated her life.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan (1994), a son, Terry (who died shortly after birth in 1936), a great-granddaughter, Haley Cresap (2000), and a brother, Eugene Hudson (1999).
Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 25th, 2003, at 12 Noon, at the Taylorsville Stake Center, 1399 West 4800 South in Taylorsville, Utah. A Viewing was held on Thursday Evening, April 24th, from 5-8 P.M. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road in Taylorsville. A Viewing was also held on Friday Morning from 10-11:45 A.M. at the Taylorsville Stake Center, Prior To Services.
Graveside Services followed at the Taylorsville Memorial Park where she was buried beside her Beloved Husband, Nathan and her Son, William Terry.
REST IN PEACE.
Ruth Emma Hudson Hale was born in Utah on October 14, 1908, the adopted daughter of William and Edith Binnall Hudson of Granger, Utah.
She passed away peacefully at the Age Of 94 on Easter Morning, April 20, 2003 at the Highland Cove Care Center Due To Complications From A Stroke.
Acting was Ruth's life long passion. One of her earliest memories was climbing to the top of the haystack on her father's farm in Granger, Utah, on moonlit nights to perform on her makeshift stage with chickens as her fellow actors. From this humble theatrical background Ruth along with her future husband, James Nathan Hale, became Utah's most prolific playwrights and two of the country's most successful community theater founders.
Farm life taught her the meaning of hard work and her drive to excel led to a lifetime of accomplishments...Ruth was a graduate of the University of Utah teacher's program where she played tennis for the U of U women's team. Her father thought teaching was a good, sensible profession, but Ruth's dream remained the stage.
Ruth began teaching third grade in Hunter, Utah. Then in 1929...as witness of her life-long valiance for the Savior...Ruth served in the Eastern States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon returning, she resumed teaching at Cyprus High School. After some time, Ruth eyed a handsome, young returned missionary whose family had moved to the area from Star Valley, Wyoming. After 'letting' him beat her at a game of tennis, the two began a storied courtship and shared the stage together for the first time in a summer play. Nathan became the love of her life and on December 22, 1933, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. After that event, one cannot speak of Ruth without Nathan because they worked hand in hand at home, in church, and in business through 61 glorious years of union.
Early in their marriage, the Hales were called as drama directors for the Granger First Ward by Bishop Bangerter. He said that because of the financial crunch of the Depression, the Ward could not afford the $25.00 for a royalty play so he told Ruth and Nathan to write one. Their first effort was called, Handcart Trails, based on the experience of early Mormon pioneers. The play was performed by the 'Granger Thespians' throughout the Salt Lake Valley and was purchased and published in a church book of plays. This ignited a creative gift of more than 80 comedies and musicals. Among publishers is Samuel French, Inc. In the 1950's, one of their plays was produced for national television's Kraft Theater.
After Nathan worked at 'Utah Copper' for 10 years, the two left for California to fulfill Nathan's dream to be in the movies. They had heard there was a shortage of leading men in Hollywood because of World War II and since they had four children, Nate was classified 4F and couldn't serve in the War.
Nate was milkman in the early morning hours so he could perform and audition at night. Ruth continued to write comedies. A desire grew to once again produce their own works. They opened the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale, California in 1947. Still successfully operating by family members today, it remains the longest continuously running theater in the round in the United States and the longest continuously operating theater of any kind in California.
In 1979, they were called to serve a mission for the LDS Church in Nauvoo. Their assignment was to reinstate theatre in the Old Cultural Hall as it was in the early days of the Saints. The vignettes they penned are still in use today.
Upon returning home, they retired from the theater business only to find retirement boring...so in their mid-70's, Ruth and Nathan began another theater in South Salt Lake With family members as partners. The Hale Centre Theatre opened its doors July 12, 1985 and because of landmark success, expanded twice. In 1998, their legacy met its dream when their love for theater came full circle in a new, state of the art facility only 2 miles from Ruth's first haystack stage - now West Valley City, Utah. The West Valley City theater is currently second only to the Utah Symphony in attendance of the arts in Utah. Their remarkable legacy has spread with a successful theatre in Orem, Utah and a new theatre to open this summer in Gilbert, Arizona - both operated by Hale family members. All of the theaters specialize in theatre for the family audience.
Ruth and Nathan loved their ranch in beautiful Grover, Utah. Every summer since the late 1960's, they have produced plays for the people of Southern Utah either in Grover's old school house or a rough-hewn theatre Ruth and Nathan built on ranch land.
Ruth was recipient of numerous awards including PBS Peabody, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Days of '47 Pioneer of Progress Award for the State of Utah, a Presidential Citation from Brigham Young University, the first Larry H. Miller Free Enterprise Award, and a Utah Governor's Mansion Artist Award. While presenting one of the medals to Ruth in 1999, Utah Governor Mike Leavitt said, "Ruth may have added more to theatre than any other living Utahn."
Ruth and Nathan's true joy, however, has been their family - many have cultivated the same love for theater and writing. From seven children they have 129 offspring. Days at "the ranch" encircled by faith and family were heaven to them. The many actors who worked on Hale stages over the last 70 years have also become adopted family members. Ruth is affectionately known as "Grandma Hale" to hundreds. She and Nathan have dearly loved their "theatre family". Grandma wishes to thank them all. She always said, "I hope my street in heaven will be lined with actors. They are the most interesting people I know!" She also wishes to thank the millions of patrons who have come to her productions over the years and have brought her boundless joy.
It is fitting that Ruth left us on Easter Morning, emphasizing her unshakeable testimony of the life, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was to His work she dedicated her life.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan (1994), a son, Terry (who died shortly after birth in 1936), a great-granddaughter, Haley Cresap (2000), and a brother, Eugene Hudson (1999).
Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 25th, 2003, at 12 Noon, at the Taylorsville Stake Center, 1399 West 4800 South in Taylorsville, Utah. A Viewing was held on Thursday Evening, April 24th, from 5-8 P.M. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road in Taylorsville. A Viewing was also held on Friday Morning from 10-11:45 A.M. at the Taylorsville Stake Center, Prior To Services.
Graveside Services followed at the Taylorsville Memorial Park where she was buried beside her Beloved Husband, Nathan and her Son, William Terry.
REST IN PEACE.
She passed away peacefully at the Age Of 94 on Easter Morning, April 20, 2003 at the Highland Cove Care Center Due To Complications From A Stroke.
Acting was Ruth's life long passion. One of her earliest memories was climbing to the top of the haystack on her father's farm in Granger, Utah, on moonlit nights to perform on her makeshift stage with chickens as her fellow actors. From this humble theatrical background Ruth along with her future husband, James Nathan Hale, became Utah's most prolific playwrights and two of the country's most successful community theater founders.
Farm life taught her the meaning of hard work and her drive to excel led to a lifetime of accomplishments...Ruth was a graduate of the University of Utah teacher's program where she played tennis for the U of U women's team. Her father thought teaching was a good, sensible profession, but Ruth's dream remained the stage.
Ruth began teaching third grade in Hunter, Utah. Then in 1929...as witness of her life-long valiance for the Savior...Ruth served in the Eastern States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon returning, she resumed teaching at Cyprus High School. After some time, Ruth eyed a handsome, young returned missionary whose family had moved to the area from Star Valley, Wyoming. After 'letting' him beat her at a game of tennis, the two began a storied courtship and shared the stage together for the first time in a summer play. Nathan became the love of her life and on December 22, 1933, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. After that event, one cannot speak of Ruth without Nathan because they worked hand in hand at home, in church, and in business through 61 glorious years of union.
Early in their marriage, the Hales were called as drama directors for the Granger First Ward by Bishop Bangerter. He said that because of the financial crunch of the Depression, the Ward could not afford the $25.00 for a royalty play so he told Ruth and Nathan to write one. Their first effort was called, Handcart Trails, based on the experience of early Mormon pioneers. The play was performed by the 'Granger Thespians' throughout the Salt Lake Valley and was purchased and published in a church book of plays. This ignited a creative gift of more than 80 comedies and musicals. Among publishers is Samuel French, Inc. In the 1950's, one of their plays was produced for national television's Kraft Theater.
After Nathan worked at 'Utah Copper' for 10 years, the two left for California to fulfill Nathan's dream to be in the movies. They had heard there was a shortage of leading men in Hollywood because of World War II and since they had four children, Nate was classified 4F and couldn't serve in the War.
Nate was milkman in the early morning hours so he could perform and audition at night. Ruth continued to write comedies. A desire grew to once again produce their own works. They opened the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale, California in 1947. Still successfully operating by family members today, it remains the longest continuously running theater in the round in the United States and the longest continuously operating theater of any kind in California.
In 1979, they were called to serve a mission for the LDS Church in Nauvoo. Their assignment was to reinstate theatre in the Old Cultural Hall as it was in the early days of the Saints. The vignettes they penned are still in use today.
Upon returning home, they retired from the theater business only to find retirement boring...so in their mid-70's, Ruth and Nathan began another theater in South Salt Lake With family members as partners. The Hale Centre Theatre opened its doors July 12, 1985 and because of landmark success, expanded twice. In 1998, their legacy met its dream when their love for theater came full circle in a new, state of the art facility only 2 miles from Ruth's first haystack stage - now West Valley City, Utah. The West Valley City theater is currently second only to the Utah Symphony in attendance of the arts in Utah. Their remarkable legacy has spread with a successful theatre in Orem, Utah and a new theatre to open this summer in Gilbert, Arizona - both operated by Hale family members. All of the theaters specialize in theatre for the family audience.
Ruth and Nathan loved their ranch in beautiful Grover, Utah. Every summer since the late 1960's, they have produced plays for the people of Southern Utah either in Grover's old school house or a rough-hewn theatre Ruth and Nathan built on ranch land.
Ruth was recipient of numerous awards including PBS Peabody, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Days of '47 Pioneer of Progress Award for the State of Utah, a Presidential Citation from Brigham Young University, the first Larry H. Miller Free Enterprise Award, and a Utah Governor's Mansion Artist Award. While presenting one of the medals to Ruth in 1999, Utah Governor Mike Leavitt said, "Ruth may have added more to theatre than any other living Utahn."
Ruth and Nathan's true joy, however, has been their family - many have cultivated the same love for theater and writing. From seven children they have 129 offspring. Days at "the ranch" encircled by faith and family were heaven to them. The many actors who worked on Hale stages over the last 70 years have also become adopted family members. Ruth is affectionately known as "Grandma Hale" to hundreds. She and Nathan have dearly loved their "theatre family". Grandma wishes to thank them all. She always said, "I hope my street in heaven will be lined with actors. They are the most interesting people I know!" She also wishes to thank the millions of patrons who have come to her productions over the years and have brought her boundless joy.
It is fitting that Ruth left us on Easter Morning, emphasizing her unshakeable testimony of the life, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was to His work she dedicated her life.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan (1994), a son, Terry (who died shortly after birth in 1936), a great-granddaughter, Haley Cresap (2000), and a brother, Eugene Hudson (1999).
Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 25th, 2003, at 12 Noon, at the Taylorsville Stake Center, 1399 West 4800 South in Taylorsville, Utah. A Viewing was held on Thursday Evening, April 24th, from 5-8 P.M. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road in Taylorsville. A Viewing was also held on Friday Morning from 10-11:45 A.M. at the Taylorsville Stake Center, Prior To Services.
Graveside Services followed at the Taylorsville Memorial Park where she was buried beside her Beloved Husband, Nathan and her Son, William Terry.
REST IN PEACE.
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