Ruth Hortin Lemon Novak

Ruth Hortin Lemon Novak was born on September 22, 1936, in Francis, Utah, to Grace Ella Hortin Lemon and William Harper Lemon. She was the fifth of eight children and was raised on the family farm, where she developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and a strong work ethic. Ruth took pride in helping with the farm work, milking cows, hauling hay, and hunting alongside her father and brothers.

She graduated from South Summit High School in 1954 and went on to attend Utah State University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics. She continued her education at USU, completing a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. A lifelong advocate for education, Ruth later served on the USU College of Science Advisory Board.

Ruth began her professional career at Hercules Aerospace Corporation as a statistician. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as General Manager of the Utah operations. In that role, she oversaw key strategic space, and science technology programs, demonstrating exceptional leadership and technical acumen in a historically male-dominated industry.

In 1966, Ruth married Phillip Novak, an engineer at Hercules. The two shared a passion for the outdoors and spent much of their time skiing, hiking, camping, exploring national parks, and fly-fishing. Ruth loved sharing these pursuits with her nieces and nephews, introducing many of them to skiing, golf, tennis, and fly-fishing.

Ruth also had a deep interest in the early civilizations of the American Southwest. She spent time with Phil exploring southern Utah and the surrounding areas. Following her retirement, she and Phil returned to Francis, where they restored her family home and worked to preserve both Lemon’s Grove and the section of the Provo River that runs through the property.

Ruth and Phil were members of the Salt Lake Country Club where they enjoyed the association of many good friends. Ruth was an active participant in many civic and charitable organizations.

A dedicated mentor and advocate, Ruth was deeply committed to advancing women in science and technology. In 1980, she co-founded the Utah Math/Science Network which launched the Expanding Your Horizons conference series in Utah. These annual workshops connected middle and high school girls with women professionals in STEM fields, providing mentorship and hands-on experiences. Ruth was a founding member of the ARCS Utah Chapter and was also actively involved with the Utah Women’s Forum and the Coalition for Utah’s Future.

Ruth was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science and Engineering from Utah State University and an honorary Doctorate of Technology from Salt Lake Community College. Her many honors include the “Woman of Achievement” award from the Utah Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs; the Governor’s Medal in Science and Technology Award, the TWCA Outstanding Achievement Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Women Tech Council.

Ruth is survived by her brother Melvin Lemon (Marilynn), sisters Louise Lemon Peterson (Ferron) and Kathleen Lemon McGuire (Roy), as well as numerous nieces and nephews who deeply cherished her presence in their lives. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Phil, her parents and siblings: Willis Lemon, Ileene Atkinson (Delmo), Grant Lemon (Marjorie), Lorraine Perry (Golder), William Hortin Lemon (Mildred), Max Hortin Lemon (Janet), Glen Hortin Lemon (Roie Ellen), Lucille Lemon Smith (Bill), and Margaret Lemon Parke (Duane).

Ruth will be remembered for her pioneering spirit, generous mentorship, intellectual brilliance, and unwavering love for her family and the natural world.

A visitation will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at the Crandall Funeral Home, 105 E. Center Street, Kamas, Utah 84036. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm at the Marion Cemetery 832 E. 2700 N. Kamas, Utah.

Donations in her honor can be made to Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance at Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, SUWA.org

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Ruth Novak Memories - Google Forms

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