Ruth Eleanor (Nelssen) Mayhew

Ruth Eleanor Mayhew, born Ruth Eleanor Nelssen on Tuesday, September 11, 1923, was the daughter of the late John M. and Jessie Belle Nelssen in Phoenix, Arizona. She departed this life on Monday, December 26, 2022, at the age of 99. She is the perfect example of beauty and grace.

Ruth earned her bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Northern Arizona University (NAU). Working in the registrar's office, she met the love of her life, George Mayhew, who had just returned from service at the end of WWII. They were married in Phoenix on August 19, 1947, and worked together at the Mayhew family's Oak Creek Lodge before moving to Albuquerque in the late 1940s.

Together Ruth and George started a new business with Ruth doing the bookkeeping and starting a family. She was a great mom-raising three children and supporting us all as scout leader and cheerleader for the many sports and activities we participated in.

Ruth was active in many philanthropic organizations and was a longtime member of General Federated Women's Clubs (GFWC). She honed her leadership skills as president of the local and state chapters and made many lifelong friends along the way. She was also a member of the Assistance League and a member of First Presbyterian Church.

Her talents abounded in many delicious and lovely ways. She was an amazing cook and epic entertainer, hosting annual Christmas parties, dinner parties, and gatherings around the pool. This passion was passed on to her children and grandson! She was a talented seamstress (winning a state sewing contest at age 8), which led to her lifelong love of fashion and contributed to her personal style. Ruth was in multiple bridge clubs and could be found dining and dealing cards at luncheons around town. Even with a background in Home Ec, she often commented that she should have been a CPA-taking care of the family finances and managing real estate investments.

Ruth and George loved to travel, visited nearly all 50 states, and enjoyed cruises around the world. Winter months were often spent in Phoenix to enjoy the warmer weather and visit with family and friends.

Ruth is survived by her three children, George Carl Mayhew of Albuquerque, NM, Ross Mayhew of Las Vegas, NV (son Axel and daughter Lauren), and Andrea Mayhew Hanson of Albuquerque, NM (husband Chuck, son Elliot, daughter-in-law Elizabeth, and grandson Quinn), and extended family. She is preceded in death by her husband, George Mayhew; father, John M. Nelssen; mother, Jessie Belle Nelssen; sister Mary Prussing; and brothers David and Dan Nelssen.

Many thanks to the staff at Morningstar Senior Living for taking great care of Ruth for the last six years. At Morningstar, she enjoyed doing the daily crossword puzzle with son Carl and chocolate chip cookies provided by her son Ross and favorite son-in-law Chuck.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation or First Presbyterian Church.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday January 5, 2023 at 3:00 pm in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust St. NE Albuquerque NM 87102 followed by a reception in the Commons.