Ruth Arlene Nelson

Ruth Arlene Nelson was born on May 22, 1949, in Sac City, Iowa. She peacefully passed away on

August 11, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Throughout her life, Ruth was a dedicated lifelong learner,

educator, and faithful servant, constantly finding ways to bring kindness, dignity, and happiness to

others.

Ruth graduated from Haltom High School in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1967. She furthered her education

at Tarrant County Junior College and Abilene Christian College, where she earned her Bachelor of

Education degree. Later, she attended Corpus Christi State University, where she received her

master’s degree. Additionally, Ruth obtained a certificate in lip reading, showcasing her lifelong

curiosity and love for learning.

Ms. Ruth devoted much of her time to educating and tutoring individuals in her community,

particularly within various homeschool groups. Over her career, she spent more than 37 years

teaching in the public school system in multiple locations across the United States, including

Stamford, TX; Abilene, TX; Corpus Christi ISD; Norfolk, VA; Richmond, VA; Flour Bluff ISD; Portland

ISD; and West Oso ISD.

Ruth had a special gift for serving others. She was a dedicated member of her church’s mission

committee and always stepped forward when someone was in need. Along with her dear friend,

Laura Jones, Ruth made many trips to Walmart, searching for just the right shirts and pants to meet

the uniform requirements for children at local schools. Additionally, she regularly shopped at Goodwill

for clothing and purchased school supplies. Her car often carried a supply of clothing, school items,

and other necessities in the trunk and backseat, ready to be given to those in need.

Ruth's generosity extended far beyond providing material items. She led Bible studies for residents at

Casa de Oro and at a local halfway house that served single mothers with babies and young children.

She often bought snacks and treats for these gatherings out of her own pocket because she wanted

people to feel welcomed, cared for, and valued.

Ruth also helped establish a joint ministry with Lindale Baptist Church across the street. Lindale

maintained a large clothing closet, while Ruth’s church provided food from its pantry, Rebekah’s

Cupboard. Together, the churches were able to meet practical needs and offer encouragement to the

community.

One of Ruth’s favorite yearly projects was the congregation’s “Adopt-a-Child” program. Through this

ministry, members selected the name of a child identified by a school counselor as someone who

might otherwise receive little or nothing for Christmas. Each person or family would purchase clothing

and a toy or game for the child. Ruth never hesitated to step forward to help provide for a child in

need; caring for others was simply part of who she was.

Ruth was also active in the Coastal Bend Emmaus Community and enjoyed fellowship with the

Seagals Red Hat group, building friendships and sharing her joyful spirit with others.

Perhaps one of the most delightful expressions of Ruth’s personality was her alter ego, Butterfly. Ruth

attended a special clown school, where she learned to apply clown makeup, perform magic tricks,

and make balloon animals. She chose the clown name Butterfly, created her own costume, and

embraced the opportunity to bring laughter and happiness to others.

Butterfly was easy to recognize. Ruth wore a bright blue top and pants adorned with large patches,

along with buttons carrying cheerful messages such as “Be Drug Free,” “Take Care of Yourself,” and

“I Read Books.” A rainbow-colored wig decorated with butterflies completed her look.

However, Butterfly was much more than just a costume. Ruth volunteered her time visiting sick

children in hospitals, bringing games, stories, magic tricks, and balloon animals to children facing

difficult days. She did not do it for money or recognition; she did it simply to make children feel better.

Ruth believed that being a clown meant being friendly and willing to do funny and silly things. She

thought that being a clown was a wonderful way to “add happiness and sunshine to the world.” She

lived that philosophy not only as Butterfly but throughout her entire life.

Whether she was searching the aisles of Walmart for the right school uniform, filling her car with

clothing and school supplies, bringing treats to a Bible study, helping provide Christmas gifts for a

child, sharing Scripture with mothers and children, or making a sick child smile with a balloon animal,

Ruth gave generously of her time, resources, talents, and heart.

She was a woman who noticed needs and then did something about them.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur Oral Ne, lson and Juanita (Key) Nelson, as well

as her brothers, Gordon Wayne Nelson and Alan Ray Nelson, and nephew Robert Nelson.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Nelson Goldsmith (Lloyd) of Abilene, TX, along with her nephews,

Jason Nelson (Rainey) of Springtown, TX, Nelson Goldsmith (Kristen), and her nieces, Abigail

Harmon (Andrew) and Eleanor Busk (Kris). Additionally, she is survived by extended family, friends,

her church family, and countless individuals whose lives were touched by her kindness and service.

In the last three years, special thanks go to Margaret Bailon-Labednick (Samuel Labednick),

Jonathan Bailon, Josie Bailon, Pamela Harless, Dinah Carreon, Manuela "Meli" Villegas, Bethany

Sprinkle, Janie Pulido, Vivi Ramirez, Melanie Sandoval, Nereida “Nettie” Bautista, and Laura Jones

for the love and compassion shown in caring for Ms. Ruth. We also express our gratitude to the staff

at both Opus Hospice CC and River Ridge at Avir.

Ruth Arlene Nelson leaves behind a legacy of faith, learning, generosity, friendship, laughter, and

service. She understood that small acts of kindness could make a great difference. She gave what

she had—her time, her resources, her talents, and her love—and in doing so, brought a little more

happiness and sunshine into the world.

And for those who knew her as Butterfly, her legacy may always be remembered with a smile: a

rainbow wig, a bright blue top, a trunk full of supplies, a pocket full of kindness, and a heart

determined to make someone’s day a little brighter.

Celebration of Life for Ruth Arlene Nelson

October 17, 2026, 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Light refreshments will be served following the service

St. Luke's Methodist Church 3151 Reid Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78404