Ruth Kerns

1933 - 2015

Ruth Elinor Poston Kerns

August 21, 1933

December 26, 2015

Ruth Elinor Poston Kerns passed away, surrounded by her family, on the morning of December 26, 2015. Born in Jamaica, New York on August 21, 1933 to Thomas and Grace Poston she moved to Sparks, Nevada following the end of World War II with her mother, grandmother and her step-father, Robert Davis. They moved to a newer house on Glendale Avenue which was the southernmost border of developed Sparks at that time. She recalled how everything south of their home was ranch land for as far as the eye could see.

Ruth graduated from Sparks High School in 1951 and soon began her first stint with First National Bank of Nevada. On December 31st 1953, at a New Year's Eve party, she met a handsome Marine on leave from the Bridgeport, CA Cold Weather Battalion, Bob Kerns. They married on October 2, 1954.

In 1961 she started a new career as full-time wife and mother. From constant chauffeuring to sitting through myriad sporting events and recitals, Ruth was a great mom and wife. In the late 70's she helped her husband start and run Kerns Realty and in the early '80's she returned to the newly renamed First Interstate Bank (now Wells Fargo) for what eventually totaled over 30 years of service.

In 1982, when Bob was elected to the Nevada State Legislature, Ruth found herself in a new role, that of a politician's wife, a role she did not relish, but dutifully fulfilled until Bob's death in 1991. During their time together the couple traveled much of the country & world and spent their summers gathering with their friends, the "Maui Marauders", in Hawaii.

Following Bob's passing, Ruth became the true definition of a family matriarch. She did an exceptional job of helping her children navigate through the trials and tribulations of life. Grammie, as she was known by her grandchildren, would be humorously, yet respectfully, compared to the character of the Dowager on Downtown Abbey.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Bob Kerns. She is survived by her son Thomas (Paula) Kerns, her daughter Nancy (Craig) Cummins; grandchildren Allina Cummins, Garret Cummins, Annika Kerns; step-grandchildren Beau (Heather) Keenan, Christopher (Melisa) Keenan, Kylie Keenan & Paul Keenan and five step-great-grandchildren.

Respecting Ruth's wishes, only a small immediate family gathering will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to the SPCA of Northern Nevada, 4950 Spectrum Blvd, Reno, NV 89512 or the American Lung Association, 10615 Double R Blvd, Reno, NV 89521.

We love you mom (and Grammie), now please let dad take care of you. You've earned it!