Ruthie May Nash came into the world on a warm summer day, Wednesday, July 8, 1926. Ruthie’s birth was much anticipated as she was number four of five children of the late William and Amanda Allen Stewart of Sacramento, California. Ruthie May was three years old, when she lost her mother to tuberculosis and was raised by her Aunt Missouri (Big Auntie) and Uncle Amos.
Growing up, Ruthie May was described by her family as an absolute delight and peace-maker. Her favorite subject was English and it proved to be one of her many blessings throughout her life. Ruthie’s sweet spirit always resonated with the children that she took care of in her daycare or children she just met for the first time. Ruthie had a gift for connecting with people. People were naturally drawn to her open and giving heart that was filled with love for everyone.
Ruthie May gave her life to Jesus Christ at the age of 13. She was baptized in the Sacramento River and received the Holy Ghost as evidenced by speaking in tongues. She’s remembered as having said, “I shouted all up and down the riverbank rejoicing in the Lord." Her conviction to living as a Christian and abiding by the words of the Bible never changed. She attended schools in the Sacramento area and in 1943 graduated from Sacramento High School at the age of 17.
In 1944, she was blessed again when she met her future husband, Jahue Nash, Sr., during his family’s visit from Louisiana. Jahue was quite handsome, articulate, and charismatic and filled with the same drive and determination she had for herself, and he was an excellent cook. Jahue committed to be baptized and to teach Ruthie how to cook. Six months later, on May 2nd, 1944, Ruthie and Jahue were married and Jahue stayed true to his commitments. Their marriage would be a 56 year love affair that began with the young couple buying their first home in Oak Park in 1945.
The blessings continued as Ruthie and Jahue were blessed with 8 beautiful children as she continued to pursue her college education and her professional career. Ruthie May obtained her Associates Arts Degree and her Teaching Credentials and worked for the Sacramento Unified School District.
Ruthie also loved to travel and traveled nationally and all over the world. She traveled up and down California, Hope Valley, South Lake Tahoe, the Redwoods, Birmingham, Alabama, Memphis, Tennessee, Washington State, Alaska, Africa, Taos, New Mexica, Scotland, London, England, and Jerusalem.
After many years of working for the Sacramento Unified School District, Ruthie retired and opened her own preschool which she operated for 13 years. Ruthie was always energized and stayed active with church. She was also a Club Scout Den Leader, a PTA President, and involved in numerous community activity. Her first priority, passion and delight was her family.
Ruthie was a loving wife, mother of eight, sister, school teacher and best friend to those who knew her well. She was referred to by so many other affectionate titles such as Aunt Ruthie, Cousin Ruthie, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Mrs. Nash, Mother Nash, Mama Nash, Mom and Mommy by friends and family.
Wrapped in the arms of family, Ruthie May Nash departed this early life November 20th, 2019. Preceding her in death was: Jahue Nash, Sr. (husband of 56 years); Mary Louise Collins, Marie Purdie (sisters); William Stewart, Jr., Frank Stewart (brothers); Jahue Nash, Jr., (son); Yusef Nash and William Nash, II (grandsons).
Ruthie May is survived by children; Sons - William Nash, Sr.,(Marchell), Timothy Nash (Lillian) Stephen Nash, Mark Nash; Daughters - Marie Nash-Jackson (Ronald ), Fleda Nash-Gresham (Steve) and Veronica Nash;
God-daughter Gail Hill (Emory); 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; loving nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of close friends and family.
The family wishes to thank all of those who visited or sent prayers or cared for her during this journey and we ask that prayers continue for the family as their journey begins.
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