Nelda Ruth Fuller

Nelda Ruth Fuller, born Whalen, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Sarasota, Florida, on September 28, 2026.

Born in Barrancabermeja, Colombia, and raised in Negritos, Peru, Nelda graduated from Magnolia High School in Arkansas at the age of 16 and entered college the following year, where she met her future husband, Doyle Wallace. Together, they welcomed five children: Terri, Gary, Kim, Lisa, and Mike.

Nelda began her professional career with the Caddo Parish School System in Shreveport, Louisiana, teaching English literature. After earning her master’s degree in psychology, she became a child psychologist and later served as a Director of Child Psychology in Caddo Parish.

In 2020, Nelda and her puppy, Ellie, moved to Sarasota from Arkansas, finding a warm welcome and dear friendships in Village in the Pines. There she enjoyed years filled with laughter, love, and a sense of belonging.

An accomplished pianist, Nelda was cherished for her devotion to her family and admired for her grace, intelligence, humor, and beauty. She was a beloved and steadfast presence in the lives of her many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, serving as an anchor and source of strength for her family.

A gathering to celebrate Nelda’s life is being held on October 24, 2026, at the Village in the Pines clubhouse (3521 Treeline Drive) in Sarasota. The service will begin at 3pm with a reception afterward. Her ashes will be interred in the Wallace family enclosure at Shady Grove Cemetery in Bald Knob, Arkansas.