Barbara Nelson

BARBARA A. NELSON STERLING- Barbara A. Nelson, 82, died Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at CGH Medical Center. Barbara worked at Lundstrom Florist in the greenhouse, at the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Company and at Gate City Steel, prior to retirement. Barbara was born January 15, 1929 in Sterling, the daughter of Don A. and Verna (Phelps) Black. She attended Sterling Schools, graduating from Sterling High in 1947. She married Marvin Nelson on October 18 1947. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2004. She was an active member of the Sterling American Legion Auxiliary Post 296, Red Hat Society, volunteered at the F.I.S.H. Emergency Food Pantry, and Hospice of the Rock River Valley. Barbara loved being with her family and her grandchildren were very important to her. Survivors include two sons, Bruce (Cathi) Nelson of La Salle and Joel (Brenda) Nelson of Geneseo; one sister, Susan (James Sr.) Britt of Morrison; sister-in-law, Ruby Black of Sterling; three grandchildren, Brett, Adam and Marissa of Geneseo; one step-grandson, Ben (Rita) Blaiszik; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin; one son in infancy; brother Donald A. Black; sister and brother in law, Margaret and Glen Kithcart. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, May 16, 2011 at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Rita Wolf, officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be from 3-5 PM Sunday, at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Rock River Valley or F.I.S.H. Condolences may be sent to schillingfuneralhome.com.