Erlene May Nelson, 86, passed away due to COVID-19 on October 19, 2020, in Centralia, Washington. She was born May 16, 1934, to Catherine and Harry Seier in Grand Island, Nebraska. A 33-year resident of Yelm, Washington, she also lived 20 years in Marco Island, Florida. Erlene May Schleichardt met Bryan Nelson on a blind date set up by her college roommate. Bryan drove up in his black Ford Tudor and said, “Come on over baby. I have a one-armed driver’s license.” They married on June 17, 1956, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doniphan, Nebraska. Erlene was a very kind and loving friend and mother. She loved photography and painting. She also was a strong lady. As a registered nurse, she dedicated her life to others. One of the family’s favorite times together is when they all went to Hawaii for Erlene’s and Bryan’s 50th wedding anniversary. Erlene will be missed by many. She is survived by her sons, Jeff Nelson of Yelm and Randy Nelson of Naples, Florida; daughter, Jodie Lee of Mpls, Minnesota; three grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was predeceased by her parents, and husband, Bryan, who passed away December 14, 2019. No services will be held due to the pandemic. Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.