She was born on May 30, 1930 in Mancelona, Michigan, the daughter of Elmer and Nellie May (Smith) Carper.ÊOn Dec. 22, 1951 in Bellaire, she married Ray S. Welsh.

They moved back to the area in 2004, settling in Alba.ÊShe and Ray had been active Evangelists for over 52 years.ÊHer other passions were gardening, crocheting and music.ÊNellie enjoyed playing the piano accordion, guitar and violin.Ê

Nellie was known as a great giver and helping the poor.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ray Welsh of Alba; one son, Roger (Mary) Welsh of Gaylord; one daughter, Donna (Royal) Edwards of Farmington Hills; six grandchildren, Sarah Welsh, Jeremiah Welsh, Rekaiya Stokes, Robin Edwards, Melissa Edwards and Kyle Hawkins; nine great grandchildren; one brother, Al (Helen) Carper of Dunedin, Fla.; one sister, Judy (Jim) Evans of Crystal River, Fla.; as well as several nieces and nephews.ÊShe was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Lucille Mitchell, Mandy De Boer, Sinia Boroff and May Luella Carper; and two brothers, Charles and Cass Carper.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Breath of Life Church in Alba.ÊPastor William Carpenter officiated.Ê Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Mancelona.

Visitation was held on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of the Mortensen Funeral Homes.Ê