Ruby Nelson

SANTA ROSA – Ruby Jo Nelson, 88, passed away Friday, September 29, 2017 at Valley View Assisted Living Home in Harlingen, TX. She was born June 9, 1929 to Taft & Lily Collins in Arkansas.

Ruby is survived by her sons, Art (Scarlett) Nelson and Richard Nelson; daughter, Mary Helen (Gilbert) Flores; brother, Glenn Collins; sisters, Faye Roach and Bibi Ann Collins. Also surviving her are grandchildren, Rey (Laura) Perez, Maria Antonia (Shawn) Swift, Nadia Lugo, Crystal (Efrain) De Los Santos, Tanya (Joe) Flores Valdiviez, Annabelle (Marvin) Collins, Arthur (Alexandra) Nelson, Marley (Eric) Warnke, and Andrew Nelson. She is preceded in death by her parents; spouse, Milan W Nelson; and son, Milan Nelson.

Ruby Jo Nelson was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who devoted her life to teaching and molding young minds for 52 years. She served the Santa Rosa community through her devotion to student success in academics and athletics. Her favorite quote was “students are jewels waiting to be polished”. She will always be remembered by the lives she touched.

Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fine Arts Building behind Jo Nelson Middle School. In lieu of flowers, please send monetary donations to Norma Zuniga, superintendent’s administrative assistant, for the Jo Nelson Scholarship Fund.