Rosella Marie Hildebrand Nelsen

Rosella Hildebrand was born on December 16, 1923 in Gregory, South Dakota to Gustav and Ella Hildebrand and passed away peacefully on September 29, 2016. After graduating from Burke High School in 1941, her family moved to Bremerton, Washington where she met her future husband and the love of her life, Glen Nelsen. They were married in 1944 in Granite City, Illinois where Glen was stationed in the Army Engineer Corps. After Glen's discharge, they settled in Wenatchee, Washington and raised their two children, Lynn and Steven.

Rosella worked over the years as a long-distance telephone operator, bookkeeper, and stock room manager for JC Penney's. Then in the late '50s, Rosella and Glen opened Eastside Paint and Glass and she became the manager of the business. After retiring from the business twenty years later, they made their home in Waterville to be near their son and his family. Four years ago Rosella relocated to Richland where her daughter resides and most recently was living at The English Rose Manor where she was so happy and well cared for.

Rosella's family was her most prized possession. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother with a quick witted humor that everyone loved. She had many friends and was a mother figure to many always ready to listen. Her Christian faith was very important to her and she loved reading her Daily Bread for insight to the day. Rosella's wish to her loved ones is: "Please be happy for me and not sad, as I leave for my great journey ahead."

Rosella is survived by her daughter, Lynn Ball Bresnahan and husband Rich, her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Nelsen, grandchildren James Ball, William Watson, Billye Tollackson, and Carlye Baity as well as seven great grandchildren, and her brother, Harley Hildebrand. She was preceded in death by her husband Glen, son Steven Nelsen, son-in-law Jim Ball, grandson Steven Ball, and one sister and two brothers.

Special thanks to Dora at English Rose Manor and Charlotte from Chaplaincy Healthcare. Donations in Rosella's memory can be made to Chaplaincy Healthcare, 1480 Fowler Street, Richland, WA 99352