Long time Carson City resident and teacher, Ruth Braswell, passed away peacefully on May 13. She will be greatly missed. Ruth Ryan grew up in Billings, Montana, and taught primary schools in Montana and Washington state before moving to Carson City to teach in 1962. In the Spring of 1968, she met her future husband, Joe Braswell, and they had an immediate attraction to each other. She confessed that their first conversation was on the problems of the aging, since that was his work in the state welfare department. They were married a year later, shortly moved to their new house on Ivy St., and she was in Carson City for good. She and Joe took great pride in their gardening and loved traveling in their camper, with many memorable trips visiting friends and family throughout the country. She continued teaching 3rd and 5th grade at Fritsch School until she retired in 1991. After that she remained active in the teachers’ scholarship program, including time as its Chair. Ruth was a lifelong Catholic, but also a participant and supporter of Joe’s church, the Good Shepherd Wesleyan.
20 years ago, Ruth was convinced to write an autobiography of her family background and memories. She concluded it with a list of her favorite things, including, “traveling, reading, Joe’s smile, chocolate, ice cream, getting mail, flowers in the house and yard, clean sheets, and having Joe reach out to touch me at night.” She concluded with an Irish prayer, “May the Good Lord take a liking to you, but not too soon!” Guess the Good Lord has now taken a big liking to her, like the rest of us...
Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband Joe in 1988. She is survived by her brother, Philip Ryan; by Joe’s children George Braswell and his wife, Karen; Sharon (Braswell) Zern and her husband, Leidy; David Braswell; Katherine Braswell; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and 1 great, great grandchild. Also grieving at Ruth’s passing are her good friends Glenda Silvis, Janet Nowlin, and loving companion in her last years, Lisa Schultz.
In lieu of flowers any donations may be made to the Retired School Employees’ Association- Carson Unit in care of the Treasurer, 4441 Conte Dr, Carson City, NV 89701
A funeral Mass will be held on June 8 at 2:00 pm at St Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 3000 North Lompa Lane, Carson City. Livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/A4VrjLSg6k4