Ruth Nelson

RUTH ARLEEN NELSON , age 95 of Waterville, died at the Waterville Good Samaritan Center on Sunday, May 19, 2013, after being a resident at Traditions of Waterville for over six years.

Born in Geneva on March 8, 1918, Ruth was the daughter of Carl and Evelyn (Larson) Lawson.  As a young woman she went to school in Albert Lea and graduated third in her class at age sixteen - a full two years early.  Following her graduation, Ruth was married to Delmar C. Nelson on March 15, 1938.  Together they farmed near Clarks Grove for many years.  Ruth was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Clarks Grove where she was involved in the Naomi Circle.  More recently, she had recently been attending the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Waterville.  She enjoyed gardening, playing bingo and cards, watching “Hour of Power”, was an avid Twins fan, and was also a voracious reader that could never get enough books.  She and Delmar also wintered in McAllen, Texas for over forty years.

Ruth is survived by one daughter, Irene Nelson of Dallas, TX; one son, Vern (Linda) Nelson of Waterville; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one sister, Edith (Don) Zabel of Wells.  She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband; one son-in-law, Dick Nelson; and three brothers, Vernon, Donald, and Warren Lawson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Waterville, with Rev. Cindy Kennedy officiating.  Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Waterville.  Friends and family may also take part in the interment service to be held at the Clarks Grove Baptist Cemetery at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.