Mary Alice Nelson went to be with the Lord December 15, 2014.  Mary Alice was born May 8, 1927 in Wenatchee, WA and was the second child of Al and Katy Strickler, Mary Alice and her sister Lorene grew up in Orville, WA where their parents owned a farm.  Living through the depression years, they were able to contribute greatly to their community.  Graduating from Orville High School in 1945, Mary Alice went on to pursue her bachelor’s degree at WSU.  She met Richard Garner Nelson in college and was married for 57 wonderful years.  Richard and Mary Alice moved to Kennewick WA in 1959 where they had designed and built their own home.  

Mary Alice was one of the most highly achieved in her career as homemaker. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many.  Mary Alice was a professional seamstress, sewing all of the family clothing, her own wardrobe and almost everything from curtains and bedding to furniture covers for her home.  After her kids were older, she further pursued her passion of sewing by working at Stretch and Sew and teaching sewing classes.  She enjoyed golfing, cooking, wood carving and a great many circles of friends.  

Mary Alice was a long time member of the West Highlands Methodist Church. She had an endless generosity of kindness and giving to others and she leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and devotion. 

She is survived by her son Neal and wife Sherri Shulman, daughter Nikki Ahrens and husband John, daughter Gay Shambaugh and husband Mike, beloved nephew Mark Campbell, 7 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Garner and sister Lorene Campbell.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday January 10th, 2015 at The West Highlands United Methodist Church in Kennewick.  

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to West Highlands United Methodist Church, 17 S. Union, Kennewick, and WA 99336.