Ruth Priscilla Kasten Spencer

Ruth Priscilla Kasten Spencer passed away in the early morning hours of May 27, 2010. Much of her time in the last few months was spent in a gallant fight to overcome injuries sustained in a series of falls, that necessitated serious medical care.
Ruth was born on March 12, 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Rosalie Frances Eaton and Emil Charles Kasten. She was the youngest of four children, Charles Russell Kasten, Robert Arthur Kasten and Margaret Ellen Bell Leverence. All of whom preceded her in death.
Ruth grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from High School there. After high school she attended and graduated from Nursing School at Mother Cabrini Hospital in Chicago. She always regretted not having enlisted in the Army Nurse Corp, and instead she found employment as a registered nurse in a growing hospital in Champaign, Illinois. It was there that she met her future husband Edward P. Spencer.
The two were married on March 20, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois where Edward had found employment, after graduating from the University of Illinois and Ruth continued in nursing.
They had two sons, Edward P.H. Spencer and Barry Craig Spencer, and settled in Carry, Illinois.
In 1960 her husband's employment moved the family to Steubenville, OH. Ruth worked as a nurse at the local hospital but found time in later years to earn a BS in nursing from Ohio University.
Both She and Ed retired by 1984 and moved to St. Helena, CA. Four years later they moved to Reno, NV where she lived until she passed. Much of Ruth's time after retirement was spent studying her family genealogy. Unfortunately her recent injuries prevented her from being able to complete that task. Ruth was a quiet person. She loved to read and cross stitch, and was looking forward to the next great book. She loved her grandchildren, and was proud of their accomplishments. The loss of her son Barry Craig hurt her deeply, but she was blessed to have his family here in Sparks. She is survived by her husband, Edward P. Spencer, son Edward P.H. Spencer, his wife Laura, grandchildren Zachary, Holly, Jennifer and Katrina, and daughter -in law to Barry, Tina Spencer-Mulhern.
Final arrangements are pending. Remembrances should be made to your favorite charity.