Ruth Ellen Nevill

Ruth Ellen Nevill passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 15, 2019 two weeks shy of her 99th birthday. She was born in Midland, Pennsylvania on Dec. 2, 1920 to Walter and Mary Fischel Rodfong as the youngest of eight children.

Ruth lived up to The Greatest Generation as a gutsy, creative and spunky product of the Great Depression and World War II. Her life was devoted to her family, church and her community. According to her “she was blessed with a healthy life filled with many cherished memories.” She worked in the accounting department of the Crucible Steel Company of America during WWII. She met her husband, Rex, before he enlisted into the Army Air Corps in 1941. They were able to finally marry in 1944 when Rex received his wings. They were married for 64 years and raised five children as they transferred to many Air Force Bases from the Panama Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, Phoenix, Waco, El Paso and retiring at Eglin AFB. Together, they loved to travel the country in their RV when they retired. They also were founding and active members of the Okaloosa County Republican Club. Ruth served many roles in her church and in her later years loved serving in the soup kitchen. She was a member of a quilting group, the Ceramics Club, and was firing up her kiln and creating beautiful ceramics well into her 90’s. She also loved to cook and bake bread to share with family and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers George, Truman, Walter and John; her sisters Frances, Helen, Peggy and her husband Rex Ferrall Nevill. She is survived by her children David (Allison) Nevill, James (Judy) Nevill, Mary (Edwin) Watts, John (Rhonda) Nevill and Daniel (Vicki) Nevill, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Ruth and her family would appreciate a contribution to the Trinity United Methodist building fund.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to Regency Hospice and Ruth’s caring angels including Kim Norris, Jacques Simone, Becky, Antonette, Marlo, Katie and Kaylee who are now part of the family.