Nell M. McNelis, after a productive life, passed away at age 102, on June 11, 2018, with her family at her side. Nell was born and raised in Joplin, MO, where she met the love of her life, Jerry McNelis. They married in 1936 and moved to Arizona in 1945. Nell took great pleasure in raising her five children, but gave of her time as a member of the Sodality at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. After the kids were grown, she went to work at Dillard’s and Goldwater department stores and the gift shop at the Camelback Inn. She enjoyed trips to Hawaii and spent most summers in Pinetop, Arizona. Cherishing her memory are sons, John (Carol), David (Bonnie) and Tom; and daughters Marilyn (Duff) Lawrence and Jennifer (Craig) Johnson. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. We will miss her uplifting spirit, her wonderful sense of humor and thoughtfulness. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue, Phoenix on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 10:30 A.M., followed by Interment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. A Reception to follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85018. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Patti
My sympathy to Aunt Nelly’s childten, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. My sympathy to all of our extended families as well. We loved our Aunt Nelly whose beautiful blue eyes shined bright as the stars at night, and whose smile welcomed all. I will miss her in so many ways.
richard and Darla Lohr
we are so sad to learn of Nell’s passing. We didn’t know her too well but Darla enjoyed playing cards with her.sincerely,Richard and Darla
Debbie Coor
My thoughts and prayers are with all the McNelis family! How wonderful to have had your loving Mom in your lives
for so many years! I remember her in our grade school years at St. Thomas as the Mom with the biggest, ever- present smile! RIP Nell! ❤️
Debbie Coor
Rita Johnson
From horse and buggy to sitting on the moon, Mrs. M is now in heaven with Mr. M and mom and dad laughing and having a wonderful time. Mrs. M was the last of that generation for me. I have so many happy memories from being a wee child to now. Always smiling and a dear friend to my mom, is how she will be always be in my heart. Mrs. M now is another guardian angel to her family especially the great grandchildren. Love and hugs.
Rita Johnson
Marianne Laccorn
My mother, Ann Phipps, was a very good friend of Nell’s at Thunderbird Senior Living. They would occasionally meet for lunch or dinner. I would sometimes see Nell in the beauty shop. She was a lovely, beautiful lady. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to her family.