Sylvia L. Nelson

Sylvia Louise Nelson, age 83 of Manhattan, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2015 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House. She was born on July 21, 1931 in Holton, Kansas daughter of Bert Bethel and Inez Irene (Edwards) Spain. Sylvia graduated from Manhattan High School in 1949. On August 26, 1950, at the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, she was married to Frank O. Nelson. In addition to her husband, Sylvia is survived by one son Gary D Nelson of Atlanta, GA, two daughters Debra K Nelson of Manhattan and Laura L Wood of Eagan, MN; two brothers Norman and Larry Spain; one sister Betty Sharp, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Bill Spain and two sisters, Opal Collier and June Spain. Following 20 years of employment with Sears as "Ladies Ready to Wear" department manager, Sylvia sold dance apparel out of her home, became actively involved in area dance events and dance instruction. During her retirement years she enjoyed traveling throughout the Western U.S, residing briefly in Yellowstone National Park and Surprise AZ before returning with her husband to Manhattan in 2005. Among her many pleasures in later life was her participation in senior fitness classes, and church choir. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. Memorial Services will be held at the Trinity Presbyterian Church on Thursday July 9, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Helen Hutchison officiating. A memorial has been established for the Good Shepherd Hospice House. Contributions may be donated in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley, KS.