Charles Kelsey Ruse Jr.

April 24, 1946 - March 7, 2022

Charles Kelsey Ruse Jr., 75, passed away March 7, 2022, surrounded by love, laughter, family, and friends. Kelsey was born on April 24, 1946, in Panama City, Florida to Charles Kelsey Ruse and Dorothy Lee Clanton. Kelsey spent his early years in Pensacola, Florida with the Clanton side of the family. His dear grandmother Mamie took good care of Kelsey, along with his aunts and uncles. He especially enjoyed running around with uncles Bill, Darrell, and Pratt. Kelsey was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 8, along with his father Charlie. His family moved to Riverside, California when Kelsey was 13 along with his younger brother Chris. In Riverside, the Ruses expanded the family with the births of sister Sandra and brother George. Although there was a large age gap between Kelsey and his siblings, he proved that he was the best older brother! Kelsey attended Norte Vista High School and was quite the singer in the Men's Choir, and active in the local ward. He attended Riverside Community College and Brigham Young University and worked with the Forest Service in Yosemite National Forest during the summers to pay for school. In 1968, Kelsey was called to serve as a missionary in the Western Central States Mission. When he returned from his mission, Kelsey met Debra Ann Parsons at "M-Men & Gleaners", and they were married and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on June 3, 1971. Kelsey and Debbie lived in Provo and Payson, Utah while he completed his Bachelor's Degree in Marriage and Family Relations at BYU. After graduation, they managed an Ettie Lee Boys Home in Southern California. Kelsey and Debbie and their six children finally settled in Utah, and loved their lives in Orem and later Lindon. Kelsey worked for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church Welfare Department for 32 years. He loved his work and colleagues at the Canneries, Bishop Storehouses, and training senior missionaries. Kelsey and Debbie served three missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Ventura, CA Mission; American Fork, UT Employment Office; and London, England Temple. They also served as ordinance workers at the Timpanogos Temple for many years. Kelsey is survived by his wife Debbie and six children: Andy (Cretia) Ruse; Leslie (Coy) McAffee; Emma (Rich) Pompetti; Jamie (Gaylen) Brown; Cami (Nate) Green; and Adam (Katie) Ruse; and ten grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Chris, his parents Charlie and Dorothy, and his dear mother- and father-in-law, Rosie and Kenny Parsons. The Ruse family would like to express their gratitude to those who supported Kelsey in his medical needs, especially Clarene and Dr. Nobahara, CNS Cares Home Health, Geoff, and Augusta. Kelsey was a humble man of service and devotion, and he will be deeply missed. If you would like to honor Kelsey, he would always encourage a simple act of service. A Graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 11:00 am, at the Lindon City Cemetery, 600 North 200 East in Lindon, Utah. Services provided by Utah Valley Mortuary.