Ann Margaret Nelson, age 74, of Mason, Michigan passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021. Ann was born July 7, 1947 in Middlesboro, Kentucky. After moving to Michigan during her high school years, Ann met the love of her life while working at her father's truck stop: Gerald Nelson. Throughout their fifty three years of marriage, Ann was a constant source of love and support to Jerry. She helped him through college while he worked long hours, she supported his 41 year career in the US Armed Services (even receiving a Legion of Merit honor), and together, they built a security and investigation business, James L. Nelson and Associates.
Ann's love of family was not limited to her husband, instead, many of her family members experienced her deep love and commitment to caring for their needs. She cared for her mother, Hazel, for a number of years to help her stepfather Willard Asher, and his example of sacrificial love was an inspiration in Ann's life.
Her sense of humor was evident in her practical jokes, keeping her children on their toes over the years and surprising her family members. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without a card from Noonans.
Ann was incredibly active and athletic. She was a gifted softball player and her team went three years as the undefeated champions of the city league. She served as the president and secretary of her bowling league, and she had a passion for her kickboxing classes that led her to develop some pretty strong kicks and punches.
Ann may have been a pistol, willing and able to tell you exactly what she thought, but behind that, her love for others was always driving her.
Ann was preceded in death by her son, Gary Nelson; her mother, Hazel Lee (Willard) Smith Asher; her father, Russ David (Doris) Robison; and brother, Larry Asher.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Gerald Nelson; son, G. Nelson; daughter, Michelle (Lenny) Thayer; stepchildren, Geraldine Smith, Elizabeth Nelson, and James Nelson; her grandchildren, Gerald Nelson III, Mark Nelson, Kaitlyn Nelson, Rachel Nelson, Rebekah Nelson, Roman Nelson, Elijah Nelson, Joseph Garza, Alexia Garza, Logan Thayer, and LeAnne Thayer; many great-grandchildren; brothers, David (Patty) Robison and Ronnie (Robin) Robinson, Phil (Paula) Robison; sister, Teri (David) Browning, Connie Robison; sister-in-law, Jackie Asher-Smith; and nieces and nephews, Amy, Kristen, Lindsey, Lance, Rachel, Aaron, and Tyler.
Visitation for Ann will be held Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 621 South Jefferson, Mason, Michigan 48854. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 20, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
Contributions in Ann's memory may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 98018, Washington, DC 20090-8018, www.lls.org; and Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Nelson family.
