Nellie Louise Branan, 87, of Arlington, passed away at the Bridge Hospice Care Center on Thursday, September 30, 2021. Nellie was born in rural Mt. Blanchard to Farel D. and Nina I. (Gilliland) Ward on November 13, 1933, and they preceded her in death. Nellie married the love of her life and companion for over 66 years, Russel “Bud” L. Branan on May 26, 1952, in Monroe, MI, and he preceded her in death.
She is survived by her children Deb (John) Ewing, Dean, Dennis (Chris), and Jean (Joe) Spaeth. Her son Jeffrey also preceded her in death. Grandchildren include: Anika Midge (Brad) Ewing-Brown, Brantt Ewing, Luke Ewing, Jon (Kristin) Branan, Anthony (Beth) Branan, Angie (Richard) Vaughn, Brandon Arn, Laura (Aaron) Green, Leisa Stratton, and Leana Spaeth. 21 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren also survive. 2 great grandchildren are deceased.
She is survived by her sisters Janet Courtney (Lou) and Martha Benjamin. Preceding her in death were her brothers Norris (Gene), Dell, and Loris.
She graduated as Valedictorian of Mt. Blanchard High School in 1951. Nellie was able to care for her children and support her husband by keeping the books for the family Gulf Gas Station business. She enjoyed canning and freezing the produce from a large garden.
When her youngest child started school, Nellie was able to achieve her dream of pursuing a degree and graduated from Findlay College in 1973. She taught high school English at Hardin Northern for 20 years and continued to follow her students in their lives after high school.
Nellie was a member of the Arlington United Methodist Church where she served several years as a Sunday School teacher, choir director, and song leader. In 2012, Nellie used her real-life experience with a stray dog to write a book entitled, “Fritzi Finds a New Home”. Nellie loved flowers and gardening. She could often be found digging, planting, and pulling weeds at her own home, as well as for her children and grandchildren. She was frequently heard humming or singing and shared that love of music with her children and grandchildren.
Visitation for Nellie will be on Sunday, October 3, 2021 from 1:00-4:00 PM in the Hanneman Funeral Home, 201 Osborn Ave., Findlay, Ohio 45840. Nellie’s Celebration of Life Service will be on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 11:00 in the Arlington United Methodist Church, 203 N. Main St., Arlington, Ohio 45814, where additional visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Nellie’s Celebration of Life Service will be livestreamed on the Hanneman Funeral Home Findlay & McComb Facebook page.
The family would like to thank the staff of Bridge Hospice for assisting Nellie and her family in “travelling through her last great earthly adventure”.
Memorial contributions may be gifted in Nellie’s honor to Hardin Northern School 11589 SR 81 Dola, OH 45835, Arlington United Methodist Church 230 N Main Arlington, OH 45814, or Bridge Home Health And Hospice 15100 Birchaven Lane Findlay, OH 45840.
Hanneman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Nellie's family and encourages those wishing to send a condolence or fond memory to visit www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com
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