Lenora Ruff Braithwaite passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, in Bountiful, Utah, at the age of 82. Born on Christmas Day in 1943 to Rose Mary Neiwerth and August Ruff in American Falls, Idaho, she was truly a gift to all who knew her.
Early Life & Marriage
Lenora fell in love with her sweetheart, Jon Atkinson Braithwaite, and they were married on September 4, 1963, in American Falls, Idaho. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they built a loving family and were blessed with six children.
Faith & Service
Lenora was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She spent many hours researching her German heritage and was deeply committed to family history work, preserving her family’s legacy for future generations.
She served faithfully in many roles within her church and community, always giving her time and talents to bless the lives of others.
Talents & Career
Lenora had a deep love for music and shared that gift generously. She taught piano lessons in her home for many years, instilling a love of music in her children and grandchildren. She also shared her talents by singing in choirs and playing both the organ and piano.
In Idaho, many remember Lenora for her influence as a teacher’s aide at Arco Elementary. She also worked at the Lost River Hospital and the Lost River Co-op, where she built lasting friendships.
After moving to Clearfield, Utah, she continued her career at Utah Job Corps in the finance department until her retirement.
Later Years
In 2021, Lenora and Jon moved to Richmond, Texas, where they lived in a unique private airport community. In her final years, they returned to Bountiful, Utah, where she spent her remaining time surrounded by family and love.
Family
Lenora is survived by her loving husband, Jon Atkinson Braithwaite; her children: Shanda Gifford of Roy, Utah; Jared & Niccole Braithwaite of Stansbury Park, Utah; Sharla & Kelly Duffin of Stansbury Park, Utah; Shelly Endicott of Stansbury Park, Utah; and Shirlee & David Keddington of Fulshear, Texas.
She is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as her three sisters: LaDawn Becker of Phoenix, Arizona; Karmen Rowe of Eagle, Idaho; and Susan Dennis of Waldport, Oregon.
Preceded in Death
Lenora was preceded in death by her parents, August and Rose Mary Ruff; her sister, Miriam Becker; and her son, Jason Ruff Braithwaite.
Services
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Moore Idaho Stake Center,
3100 N 3350 W, Moore, Idaho.
A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service.
Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Arco, Idaho, under the direction of the Anderson Family Funeral Home.
Lenora’s life was defined by faith, music, service, and love for her family. Her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Share A Memory