Martha E. Nelson

Martha E. Nelson, 92, of Elkhart, died Saturday February 27, 2010 in Elkhart. She was born May 1, 1917 in Cassopolis, MI to Arthur and Ruth Anne (Kimmerle) Sears and married Richard W. Nelson on September 1, 1940 in Elkhart. He died on March 29, 1986. Surviving are two daughters, Peg (Bill) Cooper of Bristol, and Amy Ross of Apopka, FL; Two sons, Richard W. (Mary) Nelson of Naples, FL and John A. (Dasha) Nelson of Cassopolis, MI; Five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Josephine Sturgis and Ruth Ann Larson and one brother, Henry Sears.

Mrs. Nelson graduated from Elkhart High School in 1935 and attended Western College for Women and earned her degree in teaching from Indiana University. She was a 4th grade teacher at Rice Elementary School, then was secretary-treasurer for over 25 years for her husband’s company, R.W. Nelson Construction. She was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church, member of Tri Kappa Beta Sorority, and Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Indiana University. She enjoyed needlepoint, reading, playing cards and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 3-7 pm Tuesday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd. Elkhart and a half hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday at 11 am at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1133 Kilbourn St. Elkhart. Reverend Steven Reshan will officiate. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Church or Humane Society of Elkhart County. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.