Ruth Ann Hynes Nelson

Ruth Ann Hynes Nelson, widow of Colonel L. A. Rohde Nelson, Jr., entered into eternal rest Thursday, February 23, 2017, in Charleston, SC. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, February 27, 2017, in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 7 St. Teresa Drive, at 11:00 a.m. The Prayers of Final Commendation and Farewell will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, February 26, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a vigil service beginning at 4:00 p.m. in J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel, 232 Calhoun Street.

Ruth was born October 18, 1921, in Charleston, the youngest daughter of the late Ann Burns Hynes and James J. Hynes. She graduated from Bishop England High School, Class of 1938, and was employed as a legal secretary for four years for Morris Rosen, Esq.

On October 29, 1941, Ruth married Rohde Nelson, son of the late Louis A. R. Nelson, Sr. and Christina Miller Nelson of Charleston. They wed at The Summerall Chapel at The Citadel. After World War II, they settled in Charleston. Together they raised five children: three sons and two daughters. Ruth was a favorite aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She loved the beach, college basketball, the Braves and was an avid Bridge player.

Ruth enjoyed volunteering for The Charles Webb School, La Sertoma, St. Andrew's PTA, The Lions' Auxiliary and various charities. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and The Perpetual Adoration Society. She served the latter faithfully until January 2017, when she unexpectedly became ill. Her husband of sixty-two years, Rohde Nelson of The Nelson Printing Corporation, passed away in 2003. Ruth went above and beyond in her support of her husband during a difficult battle with his illness.

Ruth is survived by her children: Gary Nelson (Holly) of Colorado, Marsha Parrish Hirasaki (John) of California, Douglas Nelson of Virginia, Eric Nelson of the Isle of Palms and Skye McKee (Ted) of Johns Island. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren: Catherine Nelson (Todd Young), Elizabeth Menard (Chris), Kitt Hirasaki (Amanda), Parrish Walsh (Brendan), Leila Gunning (Peter), Jamil Nelson, Rita Crawford (Delmond), Frederick Alexander Nelson, Louis W. Nelson, Katie Susannah Smithson, Lynsey Thomas (Chris), and Courtney R. Nenova; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Ruth was predeceased by her brother, James "Jimmy" Hynes of Atlanta; sisters: Mary Louise Hynes Gunn of Columbia and Helen Hynes Seignious of Charleston; her granddaughter, Elise Cecile Nelson; her nephews: James Hynes, Stephen Hynes, Frank Hynes and Jimmy Seignious; and loving niece, Peggy Hynes.

The family offers special thanks to Ruth's granddaughter, Katie, who provided the necessary care, time and love to fulfill her grandmother's wishes to remain at home.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.