Dorothy Jean Nelson

Dorothy was the beloved wife of 61 years to the late Dennis James Nelson. Together they had three sons and one daughter: Mark (Mary), Tim (Jillayne), Chris (Laureen), and Amy (Paul) Manring. She was a devoted grandmother to Suzanne (Andy) Hinman, Katherine Nelson, Douglas (Rachael) Nelson, Elizabeth (Ryan) Hastings, Carolyn (Jed) Heinrich, James (Alexandra) Manring, Olivia, Faith, Phoebe, and Aaron Manring. Her great-grandchildren, Lucas and Annabelle Hinman, Leah Hastings, and Brenna and Maddie Heinrich, brought her immense joy. Dorothy was the sister of Mary Kirk and Richard Ansbaugh and was preceded in death by two siblings, Nancy Daniels and Patricia Ansbaugh. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives.

In her personal life, Dorothy took up golf in her 40s and became an avid golfer. She also loved bowling and was known as a fierce competitor with a sweet demeanor.

Dorothy was a lifelong member of the Church of the Resurrection and a dedicated member of the Altar Society for over 40 years. Together with Dennis, she volunteered at the Church Ox Roast for decades, demonstrating their commitment to their community.

The family would like to express their gratitude to all the caregivers for their excellent care and compassion for Dorothy. Special thanks are extended to Hospice of Lansing.

Family and faith were her first priorities above all else, and her children and grandchildren were loved more than they will ever know. She will be sadly missed.

The visitation for Dorothy will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, between the hours of 5 - 8 PM with a 7 PM Rosary Service at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11 AM at Church of the Resurrection, 1505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. Dorothy will lie in state at the church beginning at 10 AM until the Mass.

Interment will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing, MI

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dorothy's honor can be directed to Hospice of Lansing or Church of the Resurrection (please find links below)