With heavy hearts we share the passing of our beautiful mother, Melba Louise Nelson (nee Richard) on March 26, 2024. Melba was born on Sept. 26, 1928 to loving parents Getth and Mildred (nee Ashworth) Richard of St. Louis, Mo., and siblings Edward Richard and Connie Lisitano. She was the beloved wife of the late Marvin Nelson with whom she shared over five decades of loving, working, learning, traveling and adventure. She took immense joy in their children Dennis Nelson (Anita) Dana Nelson (Robin) and Dawn Buechner (Bob) and grandchildren, Lesley, the late Ryan, Tim, Jamie, Getth, and Christopher. She was a loved great grandmother, aunt, great aunt, cousin, and dear friend to many.

Melba held many positions throughout her life. Her greatest passion was to nurture, teach and adore the little ones. She was generous to share her many skills including knitting, crocheting, woodworking and took great pleasure every Christmas in delivering handmade blankets to JB hospital. Melba packed so much love and life into her 95 years… and never took one day of it for granted. She had a strong simple faith, “God is Love” which guided her long rich life. She will be interred at JB cemetery with a private family ceremony. She will be dearly missed.