Ruth Jean (Pratt) Nelson, 65, of Whitman, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, surrounded by love, after a brief illness. Ruth was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, dog mom, horse lover, and an unforgettable soul.
Ruth was born on August 9, 1959, the beloved daughter of the late Robert and Freda (Archibald) Pratt. A graduate of Whitman Hanson High School in 1977, she pursued her passion for helping others by completing EMT training. Ruth devoted much of her career to emergency medical services, beginning as an EMT with American Medical Response from 1994 to 1999 and a medical secretary at Good Samaritan Medical Center from 1999-2004. She later served as Deputy Director at Exodus Ambulance from 2004-2010 and went on to work as an EMT-I and ambulance dispatcher at EasCare, where she made a significant difference in the lives of many.
Ruth dedicated her life to helping others and cherished spending time with her family. She married Raymond Nelson in 1982, and together they settled in Hanson, Massachusetts, where they nurtured their beloved farm for 25 years. Ruth had a passionate love for animals and her favorite horse, Taboo, held a special place in her heart as "the greatest horse in the world." On June 25, 1983, Ruth and Raymond welcomed their daughter, Christina (Nelson) Estano.
Later in life, Ruth moved to Titusville, Florida with Raymond and continued her career in healthcare, working as a medical secretary for a hospice facility and most recently for a cardiovascular office. In recent years, Ruth found new passions as a member of the “Women with Guns” club in Florida, volunteering at a horse rescue, and raising her cherished German Shepherds: the late Nico and Apollo, and her current companion, Rambo. She retired in August 2024, ready to embrace her next chapter with a focus on her family.
Ruth’s greatest joy was her grandchildren, with whom she shared countless stories and cherished memories. Known to them as “Mimi,” she leaves behind Dustin, Jason, Stephanie, Angela, Gina, Nicole, George, Mason, Aedan, Adriana, and great-grandchildren Kyla, Maci, Dan, and little Jack.
Ruth was predeceased by her brothers Robert Pratt and Joe Pratt, and her niece Lisa Pratt. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Raymond Nelson; her daughter Christina (Nelson) Estano and son-in-law Paul; her stepchildren Jackie Nelson (wife Lisa), David Nelson (wife Cheryl), and Robyn (Nelson) Polillio (husband George); her brothers Jim Pratt of Florida, Rick Pratt (wife Beany) of Alabama, and Steven Pratt (wife Becki) of Massachusetts; her sisters-in-laws Ina and Terry; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Ruth’s kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ruth’s life during visiting hours on Sunday, February 2nd, from 2:00-5:00 PM at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary), Whitman. A funeral service will take place on Monday, February 3rd, at 10:00 AM at Blanchard Funeral Chapel. Followed by a burial at the Colebrook Cemetery, 45 Essex Street, Whitman