Obituary of Ruth Eleda Woods Graham

Ruth Eleda Woods Graham, 89, passed away December 28, 2017 in American Fork, Utah. She was born May 20, 1928, in Charleston, South Carolina to Hyrum Nathaniel Woods and Georgia Adella Tindal Woods. She married James Cullum (J.C.) Graham November 27, 1948, in Columbia, South Carolina. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on June 20, 1949. The first 18 years of her marriage were spent in the Carolinas - sixteen in Columbia S.C. and two in Kinston N.C. During a majority of the Columbia years, Eleda worked as a floral designer. In 1966, she and her family moved to Tampa, Florida, where they resided until they again moved in 1976, this time to Utah. While in Tampa, Eleda went back to school and earned a master’s degree in early childhood education. She taught into her 80’s working the last half dozen years as a sub at Lehi High School. Eleda was an independent, feisty Southern belle who took being told she couldn’t do things as a challenge. She loved gardening, a carry-over from those many years in the floral industry. At one time she had over 200 rose bushes in her yard. Her other passion was family history, and she loved to share the family’s stories. Despite a self-created gruff persona, she was a very compassionate and giving soul. She had a special place in her heart for the underprivileged whom she loved as much as her own grandchildren. Eleda is survived by her children: Craig (Nita) Graham, Cindy (David) Bjerregaard, Jolene (Michael) Cureton, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, her mother-in-law Eula Graham, 2 brothers Darrell Woods and LaMont Woods. She was preceded in death by her husband J.C., a daughter Julie, her parents, 2 brothers and a sister. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. at American Fork Harbor 3rd Ward, 600 South 100 West, American Fork. A viewing will be held Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork and Thursday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation at huntsmancancer.org.