Ellen Sue Nelson
June 23rd, 1941 - March 1st, 2025
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Ellen's Obituary
Ellen Sue Nelson, 83, of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Corewell Lakeland Hospital in Saint Joseph.
Sue was born June 23, 1941 in St. Louis, MO to James and Ruth (Voyce) Grimes. On August 25, 1961 Sue wed John Nelson in Crown Point, IN. She was an extremely talented and distinguished knitter and seamstress. She worked for many years at Ivelise’s Yarn Shop in Benton Harbor and also offered her skills and resources teaching many generations to knit and sew. She proudly donated hand-made items to American Indians in South Dakota, and often gifted her work to those she loved. Sue was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed watching any college teams play basketball. She also played an integral role in the lives of her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.
Sue will be missed by her children, Paul Nelson, and Cheryl Youngblood; and her grandchildren, Bret Nelson, Benjamin Nelson, and Alexander Nelson. She is preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” Nelson; her siblings, Jean, Grimes and Dale Grimes; and her parents.
In the spirit of Sue’s giving nature, the family wishes to express their desire to donate her extensive sewing and knitting patterns, as well as supplies, to those who would benefit from these items. A memorial celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Sue was born June 23, 1941 in St. Louis, MO to James and Ruth (Voyce) Grimes. On August 25, 1961 Sue wed John Nelson in Crown Point, IN. She was an extremely talented and distinguished knitter and seamstress. She worked for many years at Ivelise’s Yarn Shop in Benton Harbor and also offered her skills and resources teaching many generations to knit and sew. She proudly donated hand-made items to American Indians in South Dakota, and often gifted her work to those she loved. Sue was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed watching any college teams play basketball. She also played an integral role in the lives of her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.
Sue will be missed by her children, Paul Nelson, and Cheryl Youngblood; and her grandchildren, Bret Nelson, Benjamin Nelson, and Alexander Nelson. She is preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” Nelson; her siblings, Jean, Grimes and Dale Grimes; and her parents.
In the spirit of Sue’s giving nature, the family wishes to express their desire to donate her extensive sewing and knitting patterns, as well as supplies, to those who would benefit from these items. A memorial celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
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