Obituary: Gail Marriott Nelson

Gail Marriott Nelson

Gail Marriott Nelson

Gail Marriott Nelson, 93, a wonderful, gentle woman, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 2009, in Chino Valley, Ariz. All who knew her appreciated her great sense of humor. She could always find something to smile about in any situation. Amazingly, she was able to make us all smile even in her final days. Gail faced each challenge with acceptance, courage and hope. She always found that silver lining. She had a great sense of style and was a real head-turner in her day. She will also be remembered for her concern and love for humankind.

Gail was born Feb. 9, 1916, in Philadelphia, Pa. Her parents, Ernest and Hazel McLaughlin, moved to Prescott in the early 1920s. Gail attended St. Joseph's Academy and Prescott High School. She worked for Grace Sparkes at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. Gail's first husband, Wesley G. Marriott, preceded her in death. They had two daughters, Sharon (Denis) Dalke and Phyllis (John/life partner) Rheem; and five grandchildren, Denise (Manuel) Heredia, Grant Dalke, Camille (Scott) Johnson, Jason Bunts and Jared (Laura) Bunts. Gail is survived by four great- grandchildren and her loving sister Martha (Dick, deceased) Allan, niece Candy (Ken) Shay, and a great-nephew.

Gail was preceded in death by her grandson, Drew Dalke, and her second husband, Willard "Wimpy" Nelson. Gail and Wimpy were regulars at the legendary Pine Cone Inn and on any given weekend they could be found having dinner with friends and of course dancing the evening away.

The family wished to thank Hospice Family Care and the loving and caring staff of the New Horizons in Chino Valley for the wonderful care during Gail's last days.

"We love thee - we love thee with a love that shall not die till the sun grows cold and the starts grow old."

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Arizona Ruffner Wakelin, 303 S. Cortez St., Prescott, Ariz.

Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home assisted the family with final arrangements.

Information provided by survivors.


Donate Report a Typo Contact
Most Read