Mildred Louise Nelson

MILDRED LOUISE NELSON On June 5, 2009 Mildred Louise Nelson went peacefully home to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ in Cathlamet, Washington. She was prayerfully surrounded by the presence of God, sons, daughters, grandchildren and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband Roland (Rollie) A. Nelson formerly of Chinook, WA, daughter Cathy Ray and great grandchild John. Louise was born to Teresa and Earl Martin in Clarence, Missouri on October 11, 1928. She joined one older sibling Arlene. A clear childhood memory was "waking up in the warm basement potato bin, listening to the sounds of a tornado roaring overhead, all the while comforted by the nearby presence of mom, daddy, and sister." Louise lived a very full life. She participated in multiple local organizations; founding several. She wrote 5 books, many magazine articles and children's plays (even creating her own costumes and puppets). Her life was not dull. She was outgoing and personal able in love with God, life, family and friends. Raised in an era when the silver screen lured, she, Arlene and friends attended movies on a regular basis, hence her draw to the dramatics which earned her the National Thespian Dramatic Society award 3 years standing and the honor of being voted their President. She worked as a fashion designer for Montgomery Wards in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho and was selected to join the coveted Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was instrumental in the formation of the Page Youth Foundation, and won a beauty contest to be crowned Miss American Legion. After graduating high school in 1946 she worked as a telephone operator for General Telephone Co. Always a movie buff, she relished the fact that one day she put a call through for Bing Crosby and Lana Turner! On August 15, 1948 she and Alvin S. Hanson were married. She birthed 5 children, one passing away at birth. When that marriage ended in 1962 she moved with 4 children to the Long Beach Peninsula and upon arrival birthed baby number six. She has lived in Long Beach since that time. Louise married Rollie A. Nelson in 1963 and soon there were 8! Once settled in Long Beach she found a saving grace in Jesus Christ and thus began a full time ministry in counseling, (teenagers, and alcoholics, hurting people needing a shoulder, the Word of God and prayer.) As she penned five inspirational books, she also served as Secretary for the Peninsula Christian council for Ecumenical Churches. In 1981 she had a radio program on KSTK called "Walking in The Life". A devotional leader for church women in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, she served as chaplain, secretary and board chairman for His Supper Table. She was one of the founders of the Ilwaco Community Church with initial Bible Studies taking place on her living room floor! Louise was a worship leader for the Full Gospel Business Men's Association and Chairwoman of Aglow Fellowship. She started the Jesus Club, an after school youth ministry and began a radio ministry on KOHI called "Perils, Pitfalls and the Prince of Peace". Prior to this Louise was certified in the Stephan's Ministry as a trainer and leader. She also had a daily blog in which she offered encouragement and Biblical inspiration. In May of 2004 Louise received the prestigious award of being made Police Chief of her home lot by then mayor of Long beach Ken Ramsey. One of many highlights to Louise's life was her trip to New York, as a young girl, with her sister Arlene. Also enjoyed was her trip cross country trip by train with her mother, husband Rollie and two youngest children. She made two trips to Alaska to see her daughter and grandkids. The true highlight however, came in 1985 when she and Rollie traveled to Israel where they walked where Jesus walked and were baptized in the Jordan River. Louise loved time spent in the Scriptures, music, writing songs, dancing (with family), playing piano, singing, and journaling to name just a few. A memorial service celebrating Louise's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday June 13th, 2009, at the Pacific Bible Church in Ilwaco, Washington. Any contributions made in lieu of flowers will be donated to the Stephan's Ministry in care of Naselle Lutheran Church. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com Mildred Louise is survived by her sister, Arlene Haglund of Hillsboro, Oregon; Children Diane Maki of Grays River, WA, Shari Miethe of Wrangell, AK, Connie Brenaman of Naselle, WA, Jeff Hanson of Vancouver, WA, Kevin Cox of Laramie, WY, Todd Nelson of Battleground, WA, and Trisha Schwartz of Wrangell, AK; 13 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 2 nephews. "We grieve in hope", knowing we will see her again on the other side. As she proclaimed in her will "Hasta La Vista"!