Ruth Mae Nast

Ruth Mae Nast, 88 passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 1, 2021. She was born April 9, 1933 in Belleville, Illinois to Emma and Edward Harpstrieth. Ruth married the love of her life, Wayne A. Nast, in 1954. Ruth was a supportive military spouse, a loving mother to her three children, and a devoted Christian. She was the stabilizing force of the family through many moves and when Wayne's military career required extended absences.

Through her travels she always found a home in her church community where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, played piano for services, was a member of the Women's Fellowship and served on many committees. Most recently, she was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hampton where she played hand bells and sang in the choir before moving to The Chesapeake retirement community.

Ruth was an incredibly gifted artist. For 50 years she painted in oil and watercolor producing hundreds of exceptional works of art. She refined her skills studying art at Christopher Newport University. She lovingly made and decorated hand stamped cards for her children, grandchildren, and close friends to celebrate every birthday and holiday. It was the highlight of everyone's experience of those special events, to receive one of her cards. They will be forever treasured and will be missed.

In addition to her artistic abilities, Ruth was a talented vocalist with a beautiful soprano voice. She studied voice and sang in high school and church choirs as a youth. She was often called upon to share her gift as a soloist at weddings and other special occasions. She especially enjoyed singing duets with her husband, where the perfect blending of their voices illustrated their harmonious union. Her solo "He shall feed his flock" from Handel's 'Messiah' was a true blessing and a powerfully moving experience for those who had the privilege of hearing it.

She was the most loving, kind, and compassionate gentle soul, who found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was very much loved by everyone who knew her.

Ruth was proceeded in death by her parents and her brother Robert and his wife Doris.

She is survived by her son Tom and his wife Lori; her daughter Ann and her husband Peter; her daughter Janet and her husband Robert; her nephew Richard; and eight grandchildren Robert "Paul", Abigail, Hannah, Dylan, Alex, Cameron, Patrick and Tristan and one great granddaughter Cassidy.

A private graveside service will be held on October 6, 2021 with a public Celebration of Life service planned for a future date.

The family would like to give special thanks to hospice nurses Amanda, Tonya, and Polly for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Sentara Hospice.

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