St. George, Utah - Ruth Crabtree, age 71, returned to her Heavenly Father on February 24, 2013, following her battle with cancer. She was born January 2, 1942, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the daughter of Herman and Marie Poteete.

In her early years she resided in Clovis, California, and settled into the San Jose Bay Area as an adult. She worked as a grocery clerk for many years and then followed her dream of owning her own business by becoming an insurance agent with Allstate. She had a strong work ethic which quickly moved her up the ranks to becoming one of Allstate Insurance's most successful agents in the United States. Her husband Dick was her pillar of strength and was often alongside her supporting her along the way. She was able to travel the world and live life to its fullest.

Her passion was serving her Lord and Savior. She was an active member in her church and was always attending to the needs of others. She often took people into her home that needed support, not only helping them get back on their feet but oftentimes giving them employment and stability.

She was consumer savvy and loved investing. She seemed to always have that golden touch by timing the real estate and stock market perfectly. She loved economics and thrived to help others save and invest their earnings. She often said, "It's not what you make, but what you do with it."

Ruth was genuine, compassionate and an inspiration to others. She will be dearly missed by those that had the honor of knowing her.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Dick Crabtree of St. George, Utah; her son, Thomas Daniel Pendergraft (Gail) of Morgan Hill, California; her daughter, Robin Pendergraft (Vance Murakami) of Los Gatos, California; and her surrogate son, Aaron Poteete (Anna) of Modesto, California. She is also survived by her grandson, Thomas Pendergraft; her granddaughter, Sara Pendergraft and soon-to-be grandson-in-law, Scott Harvick; as well as her loving sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Kimberly Diane, her surrogate daughter Deborah Joe and parents Herman and Marie Poteete.

A Celebration of her life service will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the at Calvary Chapel of St. George, 3922 South Pioneer Road, St. George, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.