Born in Chicago, Illinois, Ruth Hardy was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A musician who excelled at classical piano, she attended the University of Utah and earned a degree in music in 1938.

They moved to Chicago shortly thereafter so Marcus could attend dental school at Northwestern University.

When Funk moved back to Salt Lake City, she became a member of the general board of the YWMIA.

She died peacefully in her Salt Lake City home on February 5, 2011, surrounded by her children.