Vi was born in Turlock and went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 25. She was the youngest of five children born to Nils and Emma Swanson. She grew up on the farm in the Hilmar area and graduated from Hilmar High in 1944.

After graduation, Vi went to work as a secretary for the Federal Land Bank where she met Ken Nelson. They were married June 19, 1947. Besides being a housewife, she was vice-president of Nelson Industries (residential, commercial, swimming pool construction).

Mrs. Nelson is survived by her husband, Ken; daughter, Druann Ahlem (Chuck) and son, Duane (Phyllis), plus five grandchildren, David (Cari), Mark (Lindsay), Lisa (Scott), Emily (Tim), Marie, and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Margaret Pearson, (two sisters and brother are deceased), sister-in-law, Lorraine Bostrom, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vi’s hobbies were knitting and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved people, her family, her home, and her church.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Tues., Feb. 21, 2017, at Berg Hall, Covenant Village of Turlock. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Turlock Covenant Church, 316 S. Laurel St., Turlock, CA 95380 or Covenant Village, 2125 N. Olive Ave., Turlock, CA 95382.