MISHAWAKA -Thelma Ruth Nelson, 97, passed away Sat. Jan. 13, 2018 in Johnston, Iowa at Edencrest Assisted Living. She was born Sept. 22, 1920 in LaPaz, IN to the late Rev. William and Fannie Mae Loucks. Prior to moving to the Des Moines area, Thelma lived in Berkley Circle in Mishawaka. Thelma lived in and around the Bremen area until her marriage to Allen D. Nelson in 1941, at which time she moved to Mishawaka. She worked at the Uniroyal Plant in the fuel cells division for a number of years. Thelma was also a longtime member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in South Bend, was part of the Ruth Circle, served as a Lector, and was a past President of the Lutheran Church Women. She also was a member of the Vasa Swedish Lodge and taught line dancing at the Battell Center and was a past member of the Red Hat Society. From 1978-1994, Thelma enjoyed her winters in Florida at Ocean Breeze Park. Thelma is survived by her daughter, Judith L. Dixon; son, Kurt A. (Donna) Nelson; grandchildren, Trisha L. Cochran & Megan K. (Dustin) Runnels; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn E. & Eleanor V. Cochran, and sister, Aletha Bailey. In addition to her parents & husband, Ms. Nelson was preceded in death by her brother, Otis Loucks; sister, Mabel Reed; son-in-law, Douglas A. Dixon, and brother-in-law, James Bailey. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am Saturday January 20, 2018 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 225 Haney Ave, South Bend, IN 46613 with Rev. Jeff Zell presiding. Friends may call Friday January 19, 2018 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy, Osceola, IN. In honor of Thelma''s legacy, her family requests that memorial contributions be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in South Bend. To share a remembrance of Thelma or to offer condolences to her family, please visit www.chapelhillmemorial.com.