Gladys M. Nelson

Gladys M. Nelson, age 91, of Culver Lake in Dowling and formerly of Battle Creek, died Sunday morning, December 29, 2013 at Bronson Battle Creek. She was born in Coloma, Michigan on April 24, 1922, the loving daughter of Charles D. and Amelia (Evans) Masters, and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School with the Class of 1940. In addition to raising her three daughters, Gladys worked at Bell Telephone, Eaton Corporation, and was very active in the PTA and a room mother at Verona School for all three of her girls.

Gladys married Dr. Clifford W. "Doc" Nelson at the Maple Methodist Church in Battle Creek on July 24, 1943; he sadly preceded her in death on December 9, 1997. She is survived by her three daughters, Dr. Marilyn Hulter of California, Julie (Robert) Chapko of Arizona, and Alice (Douglas) Brown of Dowling; her five grandchildren, Christa (Nick) Wentworth, Douglas Brown Jr., Carmen (Eric) Shepherd, Heather (Evan) Parker, and Aaron Hulter; five great-grandchildren, and a brother, Ted Masters, of Arizona. Gladys was also preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Charles Masters and Harold B. Masters.

Gladys was a member of the New Life Church and Ministries in Dowling and was formerly a member of the Maple Methodist Church in Battle Creek. She had been an active member of the Battle Creek Society of Artists and enjoyed oil painting for more than 40 years.

A memorial service to celebrate Gladys' life will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2014 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the New Life Church Ministries, 14225 M-37, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or the Shriners Hospitals for Children 2211 North Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.