Irene Parehuia Ruru Teran

Irene Parehuia Ruru Teran, passed away peacefully in Murray, Utah on April 8, 2024, surrounded by loved ones after a difficult fight with cancer. She is survived by her husband (Bruce), her 5 children, Delwyn Crave (Paul), Keali’i Schreier (Haydee), Steve Schreier (Dawn), Richard Schreier (Beth), and Cory Teran (Rachel), her sister (Roimata Eva) and her many grandchildren. Irene was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will be remembered for her unwavering faith and love for Jesus Christ and her family. She always treasured the opportunity to serve at the Draper Temple.

Irene was born on March 18, 1947, in Matamata, New Zealand to John and Kataraina Ruru. From her first breath, Irene was bold, defiant and adventurous. From a young age, she carved out her niche as one of 14 children living on the farm in Tirau. Her siblings were Gladys Gibson, Lena Rahiri, Mona New, John Ruru, Elizabeth Hunter, Shirley Gallichan, Nephi Ruru, Roimata Eva, Irene Ruru, Joseph Ruru, Norm Ruru, Logan Ruru, and Pricilla Sunnex. As she grew, she loved riding her horse, running track, and keeping her siblings in line. Irene was very proud of her Maori heritage. She was known for having many friends at Church College in New Zealand.

Life was challenging for Irene as she was widowed at the age of 24 with 4 children. While living in Hawaii she met Bruce while he was serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Two years later, in 1974, she was sealed in the Laie Hawaii Temple to Bruce and shortly after moved to Salt Lake City with their family.

While raising her family, Irene dreamed of starting a business in hopes to share the New Zealand spirit in her new home through imported sheepskin clothing. In 1986, she opened the Kiwi Sheepskin Shop in the Crossroads Mall. Later, she pursued a business career which included time as the controller at the Canyon Raquet Club/Jeremy Ranch where she was revered for her competitive spirit and attention to detail. She also spent time as the controller at Mountain America Credit Union where her colleagues considered her family, because she treated everyone as if they were.

Later in life she went back to school and graduated from the University of Utah with her Bachelor of Science in accounting. She finished her career working with Bruce at Teran and Co.

While residing in Hawaii, Irene was a certified scuba instructor and loved to be in the ocean. She was a club champion golfer in 2004 and 2009 at the Willow Creek Country Club. She was also a champion tennis player at the Canyon Raquet Club. She also loved to ski with her family.

Her love and devotion over the years allowed her to be seen as a beloved wife, mother, nana, and auntie. Mom always had a way of endearing herself to others through defending the defenseless, sharing her experiences, her warmth, or a hot meal. Her sweet soul cared for others as she served as a mother-figure to countless others.

Irene's journey was an example of perseverance, love, compassion, fire, and dedication. Her presence has always been a bastion of strength to us all and she will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her. Memorial services will be held as follows:

Viewing: Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 6-8PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, located at 1950 East 10600 South Sandy Utah.

Funeral: Friday, April 19, 2024. Viewing from 9:30 to 10:45AM with funeral service to follow at 11:00AM located at 2115 East Sublette Place, Sandy Utah.

To watch the services virtually a link is provided on Irene's obituary on Larkin's website. https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituary/view/irene-parehuia-ruru-teran/

Funeral Arrangements provided by Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092