Dorothy Gail Nelson

Dorothy Gail Nelson, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2024, at Centralia General Hospital after she suffered a stroke.  She was 90 years old.

Gail was born on March 7, 1933, in Olympia, Washington to Ray and Vera (Harris) Rutledge. She grew up at Mima Prairie and was educated in Rochester, graduating in 1951.  She started working for the State of Washington where she worked for numerous agencies until she retired in 1987.

She met Carl Nelson at a New Years Eve party in 1952, at the Swede Hall in Rochester.  They were married on July 10th, 1954, and made their first, and only, home on a small farm in the Independence valley.  They had two children, Kathie and John. 

Gail enjoyed the farm life, raising cattle and chickens, making hay, having a vegetable garden, canning and freezing, and growing flowers, dahlias were her favorite.  In the winter, she enjoyed making clothes for herself and her children.  Later in life, she spent many hours putting together her family history.  She also enjoyed quilting and crocheting, reading and sudoku, and of course, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!

Gail and her husband Carl were involved in Larch Mountain League for nine years.  They enjoyed working of the Order of Runeberg for 45 years and held with the kids. Sometimes they would take the whole team to games in the back of their canopied Ford pickup.  Many times, win or lose, there was a stop at the Rochester In and Out for ice cream.

She was a member of the Order of Runeberg for 45 years and held several offices during her membership.  She loved to help at the events that were held there.  The Swede Hall held a special place in her heart.

Gail is survived by her daughter, Kathie Suter, son, John (Lynn) Nelson, grandchildren; Geoff (Sheri) Nelson, Brad Harmanson, Kenny (Dahkota) Harmanson, Cara Harmanson and Nick Harmanson, six great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, twin brothers, Richard and Leonard Rutledge, grandson Chris Nelson and son-in-law, Bob Suter.

A celebration of life will be held at the Swede Hall in Rochester on Saturday, March 23rd, starting at noon.  In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be given to the Rochester Citizens Group.  

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