Diocesan benefactor Aline Skaggs passes away

Friday, Jan. 16, 2015

Aline Wilmot Skaggs died peacefully in Salt Lake City on Jan. 5, 2015, of causes incident to age.

“Aline Skaggs was one of the kindest, caring, humble and generous people we have known,” said Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general emeritus of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. “Shortly before her death, Bishop John C. Wester blessed Aline, and shared with her family the diocese’s deep appreciation for her beautiful human qualities, especially her faithfulness to Sam, her husband, as well as her devotion to her family, friends and caretakers.  He also reflected on the love the members of the family have shown for their mother and grandmother.  Together with Sam, Aline committed the family’s hard-earned wealth to the common good, supporting health care, education and works of charity. Their care for the poor and for the education of minorities was significant.  The Utah Catholic Schools, as well as the good works of Catholic Community Services, have benefited greatly from Sam and Aline’s generosity.

“On behalf of Bishop Wester and all of us in the diocese, we extend our sympathy to the Skaggs family,” Msgr. Fitzgerald continued. “We pray that Aline has the peace and joy of eternal life that is promised to those with generous hearts such as hers.”

The Skaggs Catholic Center issued the following message regarding Aline Skaggs’ passing: “Nearly two decades ago, our benefactors Mr. and Mrs. L. Sam Skaggs made a commitment to donate more than $50 million to build the Skaggs Catholic Center schools in the south Salt Lake Valley. We have been so very blessed by these extraordinary people, who came from humble beginnings. They shared the profits of their grocery business, and their children continue to support our programs through The ALSAM Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Skaggs established. Please pray for them, and give thanks for their generosity, which continues to benefit thousands of children each year.”

Aline Skaggs was born March 13, 1926, in Boise, Idaho, to Clarence Wilmot and Marjorie Morris Wilmot. She had two sisters, Evelyn Jones and Patricia Crossley, both of Idaho. 

She graduated from Boise High School and Boise Business School. On Feb. 27, 1949, she married Lennie Sam Skaggs in Boise, Idaho. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Great Falls, Mont. In March 1950 they moved to Salt Lake City, where Sam assumed responsibility for Skaggs Payless Drug Stores. The couple also spent many wonderful years at their home in Dana Point, Calif. Sam Skaggs passed away on March 21, 2013, culminating 64 years of a beautiful marriage and partnership. 

Aline Skaggs was very involved in community and business organizations, serving on many corporate and philanthropic boards, including American Stores Company, Tracy-Collins Bank, American Television of Utah, University of Utah National Advisory Council, KUED Television, Southern Utah University Institutional Council, Utah Symphony Guild Board, the Airport Authority Board, and the Utah Opera Board. She was former president and founding member of the Assistance League of Salt Lake City, the ALSAM Foundation, and the Skaggs Family Foundation.  In 1990, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Utah. 

She was tender hearted, especially towards her children and four-legged creatures, including her beloved poodles and pet deer, Lafena, and horses. She was an excellent golfer, an avid bridge player, an outstanding cook, loved reading, and enjoyed country music, especially her favorite, The Oak Ridge Boys. 

Aline and Sam Skaggs gave generously of their good fortune. Recipients of personal and family foundation gifts include many universities, colleges, medical research facilities, schools, churches and humanitarian efforts. Their ALSAM Foundation continues the family’s philanthropic work.

The couple had four children: Susie Balukoff (AJ), Boise, Idaho; Mark S. Skaggs (Cindy), Owasso, Okla.; Claudia S. Luttrell, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Don L. Skaggs (Teresa), Salt Lake City, Utah. They have 16 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.

A private burial service will be held at the 6S Ranch in Declo, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to their favorite charity or the Vivian Skaggs Foundation, Children’s Special Needs Program, 27 C St., Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.