Adrienne Maria Nelles, age 94, passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon, Washington. She was born March 4, 1917 in Grassmere, Washington to Richard and Emma (Ruuth) Thompson.
Adrienne grew up in Concrete attending school and graduated from Concrete High School in 1935. She then attended nursing school at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle attaining her Registered Nursing Degree.
She was married to Grant H. Nelles on June 16, 1940 in Marysville. They returned to Concrete residing on the family homestead at Grassmere. Adrienne worked as an R.N. for Dr. Monzingo at the Concrete Doctor Clinic for many years and she also did special nursing care. She assisted her husband as a bookkeeper for Thompson Welding & Blacksmith Shop and later at Leveque Co in Concrete. She was later the bookkeeper for Hamilton Cedar Products in Punkin Center.
Adrienne was an active member of the Community Bible Church serving as treasurer for many years and she also was secretary-treasurer for the Hamilton Cemetery Association. She was on the Board for Skagit Parks & Recreation and Skagit County Historical Museum for many years as well as being past Noble Grand and treasurer of the Rebecca Lodge. Adrienne enjoyed reading, gardening, and in her younger years, bowling and singing in the church choir.
She is survived by her two sons, Richard Nelles and his wife Linda of Punkin Center and Roger Nelles and his wife Patricia of Wasilla, AK. Three grandchildren, Belinda Rogge and her husband Paul and their son Tyler of Concrete, Jeff Nelles and his wife Heather and their children, Taylor and Zoe of Palmer, Ak, and Jennifer Fritz and her husband David and their children, Alexis and Hunter Hall of Wasilla, AK and a special dear friend, Doris Priesel of Concrete. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Adrienne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Grant in 1984, two daughters, Katherine and Anna Marie, a brother, Fred Thompson, a daughter-in-law, Delma Nelles and a granddaughter, Sandra Jean Nelles.
Graveside Services will be Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 11:00AM at the Hamilton Cemetery with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service to follow at 1:00PM at the Community Bible Church in Concrete with Pastor Rob Thomas officiating. A reception will follow the services at the CCD Center in Concrete. Visitation will be available on Friday, Saturday, and Monday from 9AM to 5PM and Monday evening from 7PM to 8PM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Memorials are suggested to Community Bible Church Missionary Fund or the American Diabetes Association.
I think Adrienne was one of those special people that come into your life and make your day better. She always had a smile and something nice to say. I very much liked that about her. She was a strong woman, and so proud of her family. I am sorry for your loss.
In the mid-60’s you were my sunday school teacher. And in the mid-70’s you became my aunt. Marrying your nephew, Mark, made me part of your family . What a lucky person I became. You always made Mark and I and our children feel so loved. You always updated me on people I knew as a child from the Concrete area. I am so glad that since you’ve been at Creekside Mark had gotten to spend more quality time with you. That will always mean so much to him.
Richard, Roger and families- Mark & I are so sorry for your loss. Your mother was one of the best. God is lucky to have her with him now. He has a special angel who will be missed by all who knew her.
Mark is so glad he got to spend time with her for Valentines Day.
You are all in our prayers.
Mark & Elena (Balzar) Harp
I was saddened to hear of the passing of such a well-loved lady. She always had a smile.
Adrienne was such a special resident to me at Creekside . I would deliver her mail to her & knock on her door & enter with ” Mail Call ” & Adrienne always had a smile for me. She shall be missed . She was always kind to me .
I was gone for a couple of weeks & did not know of your loss. I am very sorry for your loss,
Sincerely- Joanie Nagatani
Dear Richard and Roger and families, – – – Your mom was a very special friend as well as serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the State Bank of Concrete as was her father. She never missed a board meeting and presided in her own special way. My principal regret in retiring was that we no longer would have our special monthly get togethers (board meetings). My prayers are that your current grief, will soon fade into fond memories of the very special person she was!
Richard and Linda, Roger and Patsy, our heart aches for you. But what a wonderful legacy your mother has left for your families. Caring, generous, intelligent, so very ,very fair, professional, efficient,..and above all, such a lady. She sang at our wedding, and always “checked in” to keep abreast of what was going on in our lives and the kids too. She called not long ago when she heard that our granddaughter was very ill. What a delightful conversation we had. She was such a proud Mother and Grandmother to her boys and their families. She loved her church and her Lord . She went prepared. We have many happy memories of time spent with the Nelles family. We shall miss her so very much..another “Concrete Icon” is gone, but never forgotten.
Aunt Adrienne! A love, a support, a perfect aunt. I was so blessed by both she and Uncle Grant, Richard, and Roger. They each hold a special place in my heart and always will. Probably there was a party in heaven when she arrived and those already there might have wondered what took her so long. I am so glad I was able to visit with her this summer and give her a hug and kiss. May God comfort each of you and give you much peace and love at Aunt Adrienne’s homegoing.
Love,
Janie
I miss you already dear friend. You have ALWAYS made me feel loved and accepted with a big smile and a warm smile. I know from experience how much your family will miss you but it is such comfort to know we WILL see you again.
Love you and your wonderful family.
Dear Richard, Roger and families,
We are so very sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing.
I don’t think there are many “Concrete Kids” who didn’t get a bandaging up, a stitch removed or a vaccination or two from your Mom as we were growing up! (She definitely left her mark ! ) When I think of her, I see a smiling, cheerful lady who was certainly a pillar of our small community.
As each of the “Mothers of our childhood” pass to their final reward, it brings a lump in my throat and tears to my eyes as one by one these treasures go, but even though removed from sight and physical presence, they each have left a lasting impression on our hearts and a sterling example for us to follow.
Please accept our prayers, love and sympathy.
You and your Mom will always be a cherished memory of our lives in Concrete.
I have a wealth of happy memories of growing up with Adrienne and the Nelles family. We worked and played together for many years. It’s a sad day for all of us, and our hearts go out to Richard, Roger and their families.
Don & Marty Thomson
So sorry to hear of your loss. She was quite the lady wasn’t she ? We are sorry to hear of her passing.
Adrienne was such a wonderful person. Every time I saw her she was always smiling. She loved her family very much. I know that you all have numerous special memories of her that will help you through the difficult days ahead. Will be thinking about all of you. Our condolences.
James, Shelley & Emilly Ferguson