Rita Mae Nelson

Rita Mae Nelson, 81 of Pawnee passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 at Arcadia Care in Auburn.

She was born Dec. 23, 1941 in Princeton, IL, the daughter of Arnold and Pearl Twing Mandel.

She married Robert E. Nelson on Feb. 25, 1962 and he preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 1998.

Rita, with her husband Bob, purchased Nelson’s Drug Store in the spring of 1972.  They worked side by side for 28 years, where she managed the gift and card departments and made flower arrangements to sell at the drug store.

She played the piano and organ for countless church services, weddings and funerals for decades.  She loved her dogs and giving to other people, cooking, baking, making special dinners and birthday cakes for birthdays. She was a wonderful and talented person, beloved wife and amazing mother who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Surviving are her two sons, David Nelson of Hinsdale, IL and Robert (Joan) Nelson of Pawnee; four grandchildren, Brendan Spence, Seth, Samantha and Sasha; one great-grandson, Jack.

Visitation will be from 4pm till 6pm, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at Bramley Funeral Home in Divernon.  Services will be at 10:30am, Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee

Memorials may be made to Pawnee Food Pantry, PO Box 304, Pawnee, IL 62558.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Mae Nelson, please visit our floral store.