Ruth Lucille Kinney Nelson King

Ruth Lucille Kinney Nelson King
March 31, 1939 - October 23, 2013
Ruth Lucille Kinney Nelson King, 74, of Blackfoot, Idaho passed away at her sister, Karen Cornelison's home in Rexburg on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was born March 31, 1939 in Pocatello, Idaho to Gerald Chester and Bessie Jones Kinney. She was raised and attended school in Pocatello for most of her early years then moved to Pingree in 1957, where she graduated from Snake River High School in 1958.
On July 22, 1960 she married Darwin A. Nelson from Springfield and they moved to Utah, where he was employed. They later returned to Idaho and then moved to Blackfoot, where both were employed at the Blackfoot School District. She especially loved and welcomed her son, Dan Ray Nelson, on November 28, 1969 while living in Blackfoot. Her husband, Darwin A. Nelson of twenty-five years, preceded her in death on December 12, 1985.
She attended school at Idaho State University, where she became a CNA and was able to work at the Bingham Memorial Hospital in Blackfoot, where she enjoyed serving others. She worked for the Blackfoot School District for many years and also was a greeter at Wal Mart.
She was a member of the Southern Baptist Church, where she attended and enjoyed that association, both in Blackfoot and also in Quartzsite, Arizona. The highlight of her life was in 1996 when she served a mission for two years for her church to Israel.
After many years of being alone, she met and married Samuel "Sam" King, on February 14, 2004, and they lived in Blackfoot. That began another exciting adventure for her as they spent time together traveling, RVing and spending the winters in Arizona to get away from the cold Idaho winters. They also enjoyed being camp hosts in Oregon during this time.
Ruth was a very quiet, little person in stature; but she had a caring and loving spirit bigger than most people. She was happiest when she was caring and serving others.
Music was a big part of her life and she sang with family and others at many events of her family. She had a gift for playing and singing "by ear", not needing to read the music.
She is survived by her husband, Samuel King of Blackfoot; son, Dan Ray (Robin) Nelson of Idaho Falls; four grandchildren; and one great granddaughter of Idaho Falls; sisters, Audrey (Delwyn) Porter of Blackfoot, Bonnie Pyne of Pocatello, Paula (Kent) Boronda of Sandy, Utah, Karen (Keith) Cornelison of Rexburg and Becky (Rick) Bloxham of Twin Falls; brother, Robert Joseph Kinney of Pocatello; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband; her parents; and one brother, David Gerald Kinney.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2013 at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 South Shilling Avenue in Blackfoot. Family will meet with friends and relatives from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at Hawker Funeral Home and for one hour prior to services on Friday. Interment will follow at the Grove City Cemetery in Blackfoot. Condolences may be sent to the family at condolences@hawkerfuneralhome.com.
The family would especially like to thank Tiffany Duff and aide, Mary, from Rexburg Home Health and Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 190, Blackfoot, Idaho 83221.