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NOVER -- Relda "Rusti" Maxine (Russell) Nover, born 06/15/1933, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2009, at the age of 76 with her loving family by her side. With her passing, we've lost one of the most genuinely nice, kind, patient, loving, honest, and generous persons who truly impacted the lives of everyone who knew her. She taught us to love, find the good in every situation, that success comes only from hard work, and also held us to high standards. For that, we will always be grateful. Born to Ann and Bowman "Joe" Russell in "Outside a Canyon, Texas," Rusti spent her early years growing up in the great Southwest as a "tumbleweed," rolling from place to place as her father worked building conservation pool dams in New Mexico, Texas, and Nevada. The family eventually settled in San Diego, CA when she was 11. While growing up, Rusti worked at her mother Ann's coffee shop on Mission Boulevard while attending school, then graduated from La Jolla High School in 1951. She immediately found her first career as a stewardess with Continental Airlines, flying a DC-3 between Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, and all stops in between. She met her future husband, Lew Nover, in Albuquerque in 1954, quit the airline soon thereafter, moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and started her second career as a full-time wife, mother, and homemaker. An avid outdoorsperson, Rusti greatly enjoyed water skiing, hiking, camping, bicycling, swimming, and traveling, passions that she passed down to her children, Larry and Lori. She and Lew finally planted roots in Albuquerque in 1959, and until 1982, Rusti devoted herself to raising her two children, managing her household, and volunteering her time for worthy school, religious, and social causes. In 1983, Rusti began her third career working for The Family Institute, eventually retiring as the office manager in 2007. Rusti was preceded in death by her parents, Bowman and Ann, stepfather, Woodrow "Waddy" Bacon, and beloved sister, Nance Genell Nelson. She is survived by her brother, Doug Russell; ex-husband, Lew Nover; son, Larry Nover of Flower Mound, Texas; daughter Lori and son-in-law Stephen Wilding of Albuquerque; and four granddaughters, Natalie Wilding, Bridget Wilding, Hannah West Nover, and Hayleigh West Nover. At Rusti's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service; however, a small family gathering to celebrate her life will be held later in La Jolla, California, her favorite place in the world. In lieu of flowers, Rusti thoughtfully suggested that donations be made to the BCC PTA Clothing Bank (P.O. Box 92675, ABQ, NM 87199), Animal Humane Association (615 Virginia Street S.E., ABQ, NM 87108), or to local hospice care organizations who selflessly offer comfort, care, and support to those in true need of their services. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the Montebello Assisted Living Facility, the caring nurses and caretakers of Odyssey Hospice, and Dr. Kathy Finch for their care and compassion during Rusti's illness. Those who wish to express condolences may do so at: www.danielsfuneral.com Rusti's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
        Published on: Sat November 21, 2009