View Video Tribute Ruth M. Nelson, 94, of Keokuk, IA, died Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at River Hills Village in Keokuk, IA. She was born April 30, 1912 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Clyde M. and Olive Wallace Thornton. She was united in marriage to Merle C. Nelson in 1937 In Keosauqua, IA. He preceded her in death in 1958. She had been employed as a bookkeeper for J.C. Penney in Keokuk, IA, then was employed as the office manager of the Keokuk Water Works for over 20 years before her retirement. Ruth was a member of the New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk, IA and had served as the church treasurer. She was also a member of The King's Daughters. She enjoyed crocheting, dancing and traveling. Ruth was a loving mother and grandmother and her family had been her life's joy. Ruth is survived by two daughters, Becky McKinzie of Kahoka, MO and Judy Hatfield-Predmore and her husband Albert of Keokuk, IA, one sister, Lee Burns of Seattle, Washington, four grandchildren, Julie Porter and her husband Scott, Cliff Hatfield and his wife Tena, Heidi Hays and her husband Ambrose and Christine Hatfield, eight great-grandchildren, Sally Carter and her husband Brian, Amy Newberry and her husband T.J., Tim Porter, Golda Monohon and her husband Bryan, Gabby Hatfield, John Melcher, Jennifer Melcher, Kayla Hatfield and five great-great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Bernice Lorenz, one grandson, Bobby Hatfield and two sons-in-law, Ross McKinzie and Bob Hatfield, Sr. Funeral serviceswere held at 1:30 p.m., Friday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Brother Bill Hauser officiating. Burialwas in the Oakland Cemetery, Keokuk, IA. Memorials may be made to the New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk, IA or to the Alzheimer's Association.