- Date Of Birth: January 30, 1935
- Date Of Death: March 7, 2022
- State: Indiana
Mary Hall Nelson
The daughter of Roy Hall and Lena Keys was born in Webster, KY on January 30th, 1935. Mary was raised in McLean, Co., IL and graduated from McLean High School in 1953. She attended Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, IL. In1957, she went to Ontario, CA and it was there that she met her husband, Larry Nelson, who preceded her in death in 2003.
Larry and Mary were married in Ontario, CA in 1960 and soon moved to Lincoln, NE and later to College Station, TX and then to West Lafayette, IN in 1967.
Mary worked for General Dynamics in Pomona, CA and in Lincoln, NE. While in Texas, she worked for the Texas A&M Extension Service. She was employed by the Lafayette Journal and Courier, Youth leader at Federated Church and a salesperson at Stein Mart.
She was a member of Federated Church, Purdue Women’s Club, DAR, PEO and past president of Tippecanoe Baptist Women’s Association. She volunteered as a Pink Lady at Home Hospital for many years, and for the American Cancer Society with the Reach to Recovery program. She was a 52- year breast cancer survivor.
She liked to knit, read, play cards, travel, and work on genealogy. In her later years at Westminster, she spent a great deal of time in the art studio. Thanks to Rachel Witt and other staff at Westminster for the love, care and friendships she was able to enjoy.
Her greatest love was her family and her church. She loved visiting with family, whether in person or on FaceTime! Mary loved watching Purdue sports, was a long-time women’s basketball season ticket holder and was able to enjoy the 2000 Rose Bowl game with Larry and many treasured West Lafayette friends. She loved her Saturday afternoon Euchre group and her card playing friends. Mary loved adventures and was able to visit all 50 states and 20 countries. Mary and Larry went to Denmark where they were able to meet Danish members of the Nelson family. She loved sitting on the balcony at her condo in Cocoa Beach and the many adventures on trips to Mexico with family and friends. Mary loved spending time with family and organizing a trip for everyone to be together for a rousing Rook Tournament and other activities.
Mary was a gatherer of friends and knew how to bring people together. She was a mother figure and mentor to many. She always had a kind word and a hug for everyone. Mary’s family is very appreciative of the care and attention that Mary received over the last several weeks from the Westminster staff and the Franciscan Palliative Care and Hospice staff.
Her radiant smile will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; brother, Roy Hall Jr.; parents, Roy and Lena Keys Hall; brother-in-law, Richard Zipp. She is survived by her children; Jeffrey (Julia) Nelson, Pittsburgh, Pa. Lari Lyn (Barry) Beyer, Brevard, N.C. Grandchildren; Cayla (Michael) Barrett, North Augusta, S.C., Lucas Beyer (Marlee), Asheville, N.C. Joel, Hannah and T.J. Nelson of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Great grandchild, Henry Nelson Barrett of North Augusta, S.C.
Chosen daughter, special friend and caregiver, Suzan Windnagel, , Ind.
Brothers-in-law: Alan (Jane), Nelson, Smithville, MO; Rick (Kim), Nelson, Costa Mesa, CA; sister-in-law, Rita Zipp, Roseville, CA. Many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
