Ruth Nelson

Ruth Nelson, (87), of Surprise, Arizona, died September 19th, 2014. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Burnell and daughter Maureen. She is survived by her daughters Cheryl and Kathryn, her son, Charles, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ruth was born and raised in Marion, South Dakota in a rural setting near Sioux Falls. In high school she was part of the pep squad, played the trombone and piano, and was part of the choir. Ruth was trained to be a telephone operator before reaching her sixteenth birthday, and handled calls during WWII period connecting GI’s to their family and loved ones. After the war, Ruth married and in 1952 moved to southern California, where she helped raise her 4 children. She eventually went to work as a telephone operator and receptionist for aircraft manufacturers. Later she worked in Los Angeles for Hughes Aircraft. During the late 60’s and into the late 70’s, she was a well-known figure in corporate reception at several Silicon Valley firms with a well-trained phone voice and professional manner. In retirement, Ruth and Burnell moved to Sun City West, then Sun City Grand, in Surprise, Arizona. In recent years, after Burnell’s passing, Ruth transitioned to an unassisted retirement community, and then to assisted living one year ago. Ruth was a devout Christian, well-read in bible scripture. She regularly attended Phoenix First Assembly and then Church on the Green. Before her passing, Ruth expressed optimism about the return of her singing voice in Heaven. Amongst her highest expectations was seeing Jesus, her redeemer and friend. She was also looking forward to reuniting with her husband, daughter and mother and brother. Services Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, 11:00am, Menke Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ.