Hermione Ruth Nelson, completed her life journey on January 9, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. She was born in Johnson City, NY, September 28, 1948 to Richard (Dick) and Hermione (Hermie) Nelson. Ruth often talked about her childhood memories in Binghamton, NY, and the fun times spent camping with her family and cousins. Ruth’s family moved to the Phoenix area in 1968. Having attended Fisher Junior College in Boston, MA, she began her career in Phoenix as a receptionist and then executive assistant to the general manager of radio stations KTAR, KKLT, and KMVP for 27 years. She then worked at TAZMedia (Public Radio Partners). In 2003 she left media and worked for Electric Transportation Engineering Corp, later returning to media at ABC15/KNXV-TV.
Ruth loved her family and many friends. Ruth traveled with friends into China, Vancouver, BC, the United Kingdom, and the eastern areas of the United States. Many fun summer vacations were spent with family and friends at the cabin in Munds Park/Pinewood, AZ area. Ruth shared with joy her pies, cookies and breads at holidays. She was known as the “Bread Lady”. She walked every morning in the Biltmore neighborhoods near her condo.
During the latter years of her life, Ruth was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. This did not slow Ruth down! She became involved with the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Foundation. As a part of the Ali Center she was active in ballet classes, boxing, yoga, and rehabilitation, as well as research. Ruth participated in the writing of Our Parkinson’s Journal: One Question at a Time, a book chronicling thoughts, feelings and perceptions of individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Ruth is survived by her older brother, Rick Nelson, his wife (Loretta) of Apalachin, NY, and several dearly loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Hermie Nelson, her brother, Mark Nelson and her sister, Pamela Spencer.
Please join us for an Open House Celebration of Life/gathering at Aunt Chilada’s Squaw Peak Restaurant, in the Palm Court Patio, at 7330 N. Dreamy Draw Drive, Phoenix, Az., Saturday, February 24, 12 pm until 3pm.
Much gratitude to the Parkinson’s Support Team doctors and nurses, the nurses and staff at Center at Arrowhead Skilled Nursing Facility, and Lily Care Hospice.
Please consider making a donation in Ruth’s honor to the Barrow Neurological Foundation at www.supportbarrow.org.
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