Lempi Elizabeth "Betty" Nelson, age 87, longtime Rock resident and currently residing at the Christian Park Health Care Facility, died Tuesday January 3, 2006, at the Christian Park Health Care Facility in Escanaba.

Lempi was born August 4, 1918, in Rudyard, MI, at her family home, the daughter of Isaac and Maria (Juhola, pronounced(U-hula) Hill.  Lempi was raised in Rock, where she resided for most of her life, and attended various local schools throughout her adolescent years.  On November 8th, 1947, Lempi married Carl Nelson, in Gwinn, MI, and together the couple made their home in the Rock area.  Lempi was a homemaker for most of her life, keeping her family home and raising her children.  Lempi and Carl remained in Rock until Carl's health began to fail, at which time, they moved to Escanaba.  Carl preceded Lempi in death on December 24, 2000.  Lempi then moved to the Christian Park Health Care Facility where she resided for the remainder of her years.  Lempi was one of Jehovah's witnesses.  She enjoyed crocheting, cooking and baking, picking berries, gardening, playing cards and taking saunas.

She is survived by:

2 Sons:  Stephen (Rene, pronounced REE-NEE) Nelson of Escanaba, MI; Jim (Patricia) Nelson of Menominee, MI

1 Daughter:  Carol J. Nelson of Gladstone, MI

4 Grandchildren:  Jill (Curt) LaJoice of Green Bay, WI; Paul (Heather) Nelson of Marinette, WI; Samual (Laura) Nelson of Green Bay, WI; Sean (Meghan) Nelson of Green Bay, WI

3 Great Grandchildren:  Abigail and Ian LaJoice and Benjamin Nelson

2 Nieces:  Lillian LeBlance and Delores Kivekas

Survivors also include many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Isaac and Maria and her husband Carl, Lempi was preceded in death by: 

3 Brothers:  Elmer, Emil and Bill Hill

3 Sisters:  Hilma Auguston, Helma Hill and Hilda Kleis

Lempi's family will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00PM to 3:00PM (Eastern Standard Time) at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, located at 3110 Lakeshore Drive (M-35), Escanaba.  Memorial services celebrating the life of Lempi Elizabeth "Betty" Nelson will follow visitation, at 3:00PM,  at the Kingdom Hall, with Gerald Glasure officiating.  Luncheon will follow memorial services.