Obituary
Maurine Nash, 88, recently of Apple Valley, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025 while under Hospice care. Born at home in Meservey, Iowa, Maurine spoke often of working on the farm, participating in the band, and going to the state tournament in basketball! Maurine was blessed with the opportunity to attend Ellsworth college and began teaching elementary school in Hubbard, Iowa. A trip to Europe with friends as a young woman was a rare and formative experience and it fueled her love for travel. She and Don made it to 49 of the 50 states, as well as some additional international travel.
Maurine and her beloved husband, Don Nash (1934-2018) built a beautiful life together on their acreage in Solon, Iowa; serving the Lord together as they raised two children, ran a small business, tended a large garden, and cared for animals. Maurine was a beloved and dedicated substitute teacher who could walk into any classroom and make sure the students had a productive learning day. She enjoyed hosting friends and family or Bible study groups in her home.
In their retirement years, Maurine and Don lived in the Villages of Florida and thrived on a full schedule of golf, activities, clubs, concerts, and time with wonderful friends. They found a home at First Baptist Church of the Villages where Maurine followed her passion for music by singing in the choir. She also served in the area of hospitality and in the local community with Child Evangelism Fellowship Inc.
Maurine eventually joined family in Minnesota, attending Berean Baptist Church and participating in family events and visits. She was a beloved part of the community at the Villa in Apple Valley, MN where a dedicated team of people joked with her, included her in events, and cared for her physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Maurine always made ordinary events special with decorations, gifts, food, and laughter. She is dearly loved by her friends and family. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Don, by her parents, Fred and Tena Ruiter, her dear siblings and their spouses, Don’s brother and brother-in-law, a cherished niece and nephews. Maurine is survived by her daughter, Janelle (Rob) Graham of Minnesota, son Jay of Texas, the joys of her heart; grandsons Trevor (Valina) Graham and Garrett (Taya) Graham, all of Minnesota. She leaves behind as well, dear sisters-in-law Linda (Arthur) Nash, Gwen (J.C.) Tangen, and loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Friends and Family will celebrate the life of Maurine Nash on Tuesday, May 27th at 11:00 am at Berean Baptist Church, 309 County Rd 42 East, Burnsville, MN. A link will also be made available to watch the service at a later date. Inurnment will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates your kind thoughts and prayers. Memorial donations may be made to: First Baptist Church At The Villages, 16523 SE 76th Chatham Ave, The Villages, FL 32162 General Fund or Music Fund of Berean Baptist Church, 309 County Rd 42 East, Burnsville, MN 55306; or Staff CARE Fund at Apple Valley Villa. Give online at applevalleycampus.org/donate (choose “Staff CARE Fund” and add a dedication in memory of Maurine Nash), or by check: Make checks out to “Apple Valley Villa” and please note “in memory of Maurine Nash” in the memo. Mail to: Cassia Foundation, 7171 Ohms Ln, Edina, MN 55439. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.
Leave a reply