Ruth Naomi Sivits Nelson, a native of Johnstown, PA and a longtime resident (64 years) of Baton Rouge, passed away at the Carpenter House at the age of 98. She was a graduate of Ferndale High School. Ruth loved to sing and was very active in her high school and church choirs. She sang with two of her best friends in the High School’s Trio, traveling around southwest Pennsylvania singing for various functions. Ruth married the love of her life, John Nelson, on December 25, 1946 and they resided in Pittsburg where she worked for U.S. Steel. In 1954 John was employed with W.R. Grace and he and Ruth moved to Pensacola, Florida. Ruth was employed there as Office Manager for two OB/GYN Doctors Balthrop and Young. In April 1957 they welcomed their only child Tara Lynne. May 1957 John transferred to W.R. Grace in Baton Rouge, LA where they would reside for the rest of their lives. Ruth had various jobs but most enjoyed volunteering as home room mother for Tara’s elementary school and was Blue Bird Leader for a wonderful group of elementary school girls. Ruth spent many years in Real Estate and was employed with Better Homes Realty and Reynolds Sumrow & Scruggs Real Estate. Ruth was very active at Broadmoor United Methodist Church. She and John became members soon after the congregation moved from holding services in a tent on Mollylea Drive to the newly built Fellowship Hall. She continued with her love of music and sang with the Broadmoor’s Chancel Choir, the Women’s Ensemble Choir and the Saints Alive. Ruth was also an active member of United Methodist Women. Ruth was a member of the AC Chapter of PEO where she held various leadership positions. For many years Ruth and her family spent their spare time boating on the Tickfaw River. It was their home away from home. They traveled with other friends regularly to the Broadwater Marina in Biloxi, MS. She loved to golf and in their retirement years, she and John spent many a day golfing at golf courses across southeast Louisiana. Ruth never met a stranger. She loved sharing long hugs and missed being able to share them with friends and family during COVID quarantine. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Gertrude Sivits, siblings – Louise Sivits, Sylvia Sivits, Clarence Sivits, Goldie Sell, Charles Sivits and Gladys Maloney. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, John Nelson. Ruth is survived by her daughter Tara Prejean and her favorite son-in-law Howard Prejean, her grandson and “the apple of her eye” Jonathan “Johnny” Nelson (Kailey Young); Nieces Sandie Bender of Johnstown, PA and Jane Greenfield (Pete) of Orlando, FL; Step-grandchildren Kerry Prejean (Debbie), Lynette Zumo (Shannon), Kelly Prejean; Step-Great-Grandchildren (who were among her favorite to share hugs with) Stacey Zumo, Josh Prejean (Ashley), Mathew Zumo (Renee), Brittany Olinde, Candice Shoaf (Chris), Brooke Olinde, Breanna Olinde, Adam Prejean and Bralynn Olinde; Step-great-great-grandchildren Casey Zumo, Londyn Prejean, and Sydney Prejean. She also leaves behind her sweet kitty, Muffin. A visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd, on Monday, July 19, from 9:00 a.m. until a funeral service at 11:00. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Baker, LA. A very special thank you to Dr. David West and to the caring and compassionate staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice and nurses De’Mezia, Hope, Trigve, Steven, Gary, Ruben, and Kelly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of her to Broadmoor United Methodist Church or St. Joseph’s Hospice of Louisiana.
