Edith Ruth Nelin Tucker Marcott, 83, a resident of Webster, Texas passed away peacefully on July 21, 2023. She was born in Brownwood, Texas on July 3, 1940 to the late Cecil R. Nelin and Phoebe Graham Nelin.

Ruth always put her family first and enjoyed hosting family gatherings that grew from ten or twelve to thirty-four over the years. Her favorite time was when we all stood in a circle, held hands and prayed thankfully for each other and the meal. She was dedicated to her three sons and their families throughout her life, and lovingly welcomed additional family members as marriages added to our circle. She was the matriarch and caregiver.

Ruth graduated from Brady High School in 1958.  She continued her education as  one of the very first instructors certified to teach the LaMaze method of childbirth. Leveraging that training, she entered Alvin Community College, earning her Licensed Vocational Nurse degree. She then attended the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.  She furthered her education by earning a master’s degree at Texas Women’s University and a doctorate at Texas A&M University.

Ruth had an incredible career as a nurse and nurse educator where she had a positive impact on the many students she taught, as well as her colleagues. She  started her professional nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse before becoming an Associate Professor at the UTMB School of Nursing (SON).  She later assumed the role of Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions at the UTMB SON. Ruth also served on the faculty senate.  Upon retirement, Ruth served as Associate Professor Emeritus and as President of the UTMB School of Nursing Board.  Ruth was inducted into UTMB School of Nursing Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 2000 as well as the Alvin Community College Hall of Fame.  Ruth was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Ruth enjoyed many activities and was a longtime member of Webster Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder, Sunday school teacher and member of the Wednesday Morning Break book study group. Ruth had a love of nature and gardening.  Her backyard was a frequent gathering place for family and friends.   She was an avid quilter and enjoyed her friends in the Lakeview Quilting Guild.  She never lost contact with her former colleagues, and she originated and organized UTSON for the retirees from the UTMB School Of Nursing.  Ruth and Larry were also very active in their community, working with the Pearland City Council for several years as well as the V8 Car Club.

She is preceded in death by her son, Mike Tucker; her parents, Cecil R. and Phoebe Graham Nelin; and her grandchild, Lacy Marcott.

Ruth leaves behind her husband of 26 years, Larry Marcott; sons Doug Tucker and wife Sherry, Greg Tucker and wife Elizabeth, Troy Marcott and wife Valerie, and Randee Marcott; daughter-in-law Monica Tucker;  grandchildren Catherine Laws and husband Matt, Kristina Brown and husband David, Audrey Atherton and husband Zach, Rachel Tucker, Gabriel Vargas, Emilio Vargas, Chris Vargas and wife Nina, and Courtney Allen; great  grandchildren: Lexi and Cali Laws, Brooke, Taylor, Nicole, and Jonathan Brown, and Ethan Vargas; sister Elizabeth Nelin Moyer and husband Pat; nephew Daniel Moyer and wife Kim, and niece Phoebe Moyer.

There will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Webster Presbyterian Church, 201 W. NASA Pkwy Webster, TX 77598.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing, Development Office, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0148 “in Memory of Dr. Ruth Marcott.”  Gifts may be made online at: https://development.utmb.edu/give or Webster Presbyterian Church, 201 W. NASA Parkway, Webster Texas 77598.  www.websterpresby.org