Eleanore June Nelson of Roanoke, formerly of Lexington, Virginia, died peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2015.

Eleanore was born in Hartford, Conn. in 1928, the daughter of Clarence P. Nelson and Anna Benson Nelson.

She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, and a long-time member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lexington.

Ellie is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William F. Nelson.

She is survived by her children, Mark Nelson, of Lexington, Scott Nelson, of Blacksburg, Leslie Herman, of Greenbackville, and their spouses, Elaine Nelson, Susan Miley Nelson, and the Rev. Dr. John D. Herman.

She leaves six grandchildren, Isaac Nelson, of New York, N.Y., Kristin Langholz and husband, Samuel, of Ankeny, Iowa, Catherine Hesh and husband, Scott, of Greenbackville, Benjamin Nelson, of Asheville, N.C., Grey Nelson and fiancee, Rachel Devore, of Weaverville, N.C., and William Nelson, of Lexington; and three great-grandchildren, Andrew and Adam Langholz and Karla Hesh.

Ellie's legacy of love for her family is described by a grandson: "She gave us undying love. She was always there for me in my formative years and was truly a rock of support and compassion. I will never forget what she and my grandfather told me about life: 'Go out and explore, adventure, and live life for who you are, always.'"

The family would like to thank the staff of Brandon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and special caregiver Tonya Board, for their years of loving and devoted care.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Roanoke with the Rev. Dr. Kenneth P. Lane officiating. Burial will be at a private family ceremony in West Hartford, CT.