Ruth Nan Pallesen

RENO - Ruth Nan Pallesen was born on July 18, 1929 in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was the fourth of seven children born to John and Mary Flowers, and the last of her birth family to leave this earthly world. On August 21, 2018 she passed away in her Reno, Nevada home, sleeping peacefully next to her husband, Ray.

Ruth met Ray shortly after she graduated from high school, not long after he returned from serving in North Africa during World War II. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, Ray and Ruth moved to Des Moines, Iowa. Over the next 69 years they lived there twice, Northern Virginia twice, Portland, Oregon once, and Reno, Nevada twice. Ruth loved moving and easily made new friends, but her favorite place was Virginia with its close proximity to Washington, D.C. and all the exciting museums, concerts, and events. Their three children were born in Nebraska, Iowa, and Virginia, and after Ruth and Ray became empty nesters, Ruth took golf lessons and joined Ray in his outdoor passion. She loved Reno and her joys included fireworks on the Fourth and News Years Eve, parades, Balloon Races, garage sales, lunch with friends, breakfast at Peg’s Eggs after church, her beautiful home, and of course, golfing with her husband of 70+ years.

Ruth is survived by Raymond (husband); Carol Pallesen (daughter); Russell Pallesen (grandson; wife Shannyn; great granddaughter Sawyer); Gillian Pallesen Murdock (granddaughter; husband Ian). She was preceded in death by Mary Pallesen Williams (daughter); Michael Ray Pallesen (son); Jeffrey Raymond Pallesen (grandson).

Ruth was a thoughtful, kind, and gentle woman with a ready smile and helpful hand. Her life was well lived and she will be missed by those who loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (where they were members for 25+ years), 1660 Grandview, Reno, on October 13, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.

After you read this this, whether you knew her or not, be guided by love, kindness, and patience in memory of Ruth…or your own beloved mother or grandmother.