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Ruby Rose May Nelson
1920 - 2016
Ruby Rose May Nelson
1920 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
Ruby Nelson Obituary
She grew up in the depression and documented her life in the book Manna from Ruby self-published in December, 1995. She married Arne Ernest Nelson in 1942 where they farmed and raised a family in the Ada-Twin Valley, Minnesota area.
Five children were born to this union including Jerald of Lake Park, Minnesota, Donald of Independence, Wisconsin, Lynne (John) Donahue of Greeley, CO, Judith (Jim) Johnson, Gawler, S.A., Australia, and Kim Godsey, Greeley, CO. In 1973 Ruby moved to Colorado "to spend the last 10 years of her life."
Upon moving to Greeley Ruby cooked at Montgomery Ward in the new Greeley Mall, at State Farm Insurance and at Delta Zeta Sorority at UNC before her retirement in 1992.
Ruby is remembered for cooking by the power of the Holy Spirit being able to make delicious meals out of whatever she had on hand. Her children and friends remember a wonderful role model loving everyone unconditionally. She enjoyed traveling and was well read knowing her Bible and reading a dozen books a week favoring mysteries of the west and biographies. Her advice for living was to remember to keep a sense of humor.
Descendants include 18 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Ruby was confirmed in the Lutheran faith and celebrated Jesus by attending Gloria Christi, First Assembly of God and Greeley Wesleyan Church.
A visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Stoddard Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Stoddard Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greeley Wesleyan Building Fund in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.
The family would like to express a special thanks to Life Care Center of Greeley.
Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign an online guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 31, 2016
Such and inspiration. I've not met another person like her.
Patrick Batchelder
Sharon Lassiter
May 3, 2016
Our sincere sympathy to the Nelson family during this difficult time. Your mother was a wonderful woman, full of strength and goodness. She will be missed by many.
Ruby was our mother Gladys Gilbertson Hopwood's first cousin by marriage and our second cousin. The Strand, Nelson and Gilbertson girl first cousins were a tight group and Ruby attended the fun summer gatherings of the girl cousins until her move to Colorado. We remember Ruby and Arne and the Nelson kids from the lively Strand family reunions and riding the bus to school in Ada. Jerry is only one year younger so our paths crossed In elementary and HSl. The last time we saw Jerry and Don was at the Subway in Ada.
What a legacy Ruby has left the world. Blessings to all.
My sister Sharol and I send all of you our love and prayers. May your faith continue to be your cornerstone.
"Love comforts like sunshine after rain." Shakespeare
Paula Smith
May 1, 2016
Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor. Job 11:13-19 This is the scripture that Ruby told me was her favorite when I met her 4 years ago - she couldn't even read it to me without tears in her eyes. I want to be more like her. I'm so glad something made me take her picture as she read it - it brings back a special memory each time I see it. Kim - your mom was quite special and my condolences to you and your family.
Joan Buxman
April 29, 2016
I never had the pleasure of meeting Ruby but my husband, Harold, visited her frequently in his capacity as Congregational Care Pastor. He always said he felt she ministered to him more than vice-versa and he thoroughly enjoyed his time spent with her. If Ruby was anything like her daughter, Lynne, then she was an amazing, wonderful, lovely lady and I'm sorry our paths never crossed. I'll look forward to visiting with her in Heaven.
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Karen Sharp
April 28, 2016
Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting Ruby personally, the loving comments and humorous stories shared by her son Jerry evidenced her love for God, life and her family. Ruby left a devoted legacy who continue to love and honor her. May God comfort and Bless each of you as you rejoice with her in her promotion to glory.
Surprise visit by Brandon from Australia
Lynne Donahue
April 27, 2016
Another of mom & Sharon taken 12.5 seconds later
Don Nelson
April 27, 2016
Sharon & Ruby on Ruby's B day 2011
Don Nelson
April 27, 2016
wayne buller
April 27, 2016
Ruby will be missed. She was a humorous soul, a friend, and a fun person to be around. We had some good times in discussing the Lord and the Word many times. Every time we visited laughter and joy seem to fill the atmosphere. Her love for all was so evident. My condolences to the family and to let you know that Ruby's love for Jesus and all of us was an awesome thing. She was a person of strength and beauty, and to speak of her delicious key lime pie she made for us from time to time sure tells the story of her generous sharing of her life with us. Love to Ruby and family, Wayne Buller
Katherine Neville
April 26, 2016
I cherish many happy memories with "my" Grandma Ruby while growing up, and beyond. I'll never forget the sound of her laughter! My sincere condolences for your loss.
April 24, 2016
What a delight and inspiration Ruby was. Our sympathy and love to you Kim and all your family!
The Simpsons- Dumas, TX
Harvey & Judy Thompson
April 24, 2016
We are blessed to have had the opportunity to know Ruby. She is such a warm, wonderful, Godly woman . We know she is dancing on streets of gold! We celebrate with her!
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