Barbara Muriel Nelson

Barbara Muriel Nelson, 90, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2016. She was born September 17, 1925, in Woodston, Kansas, to Harold and Inda (Merriman) Hoar. After World War II Barbara left Woodston for New York City, to work as a teletype operator for TWA at LaGuardia Airport. On November 27, 1947, Barbara married Alvin A. Nelson of Barnard, Kansas, and moved to Salina, where she resided until her death. Barbara was a school teacher for over 33 years. She taught at schools in Rooks County and Headville, as well as 25 years with USD #305, teaching at Grace E. Stewart and Gleniffer Hill Elementary Schools, among others. Barbara graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University, earning her bachelor’s degree in education, and was a life-long supporter of KWU. She was a member of the University United Methodist Church and the UUMC Women, Rachel Circle, taught Sunday school, mission outreach volunteer, volunteer usher and office worker. She was a founding/charter member of Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS), then known as Child Abuse and Prevention Services, and continued as a board member for 10 years. Barbara was a Girl Scout leader, served as a reminiscence volunteer, and volunteered for Birthright. After her retirement from teaching in 1986, Barbara continued to tutor elementary school children, was a social service designee for a long-term care facility, and served as secretary for Salina South Lions Club. She was an active member of the KWU alumni association, followed KWU sports, art, and theater, and enjoyed watching WSU basketball. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Alvin A. Nelson, January 3, 1981. On June 17, 2000, she married Lloyd J. Schurr of Salina, who preceded her in death April 2, 2012. Barbara is survived by her son Allen (Jeanette) Nelson of Salina, daughter Marcia (Steve) Capell, two grandchildren Rebecca (Andy) Pettit, Timothy (Tarrah) Capell, her great-grandson Dalton Pettit, all of the Kansas City, Kansas area; her brother Gail (Ilabelle) Hoar of Stockton, Kansas; her sister Arlyne (LeRoy) Hutton of Agra, Kansas, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 24th with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 25, at 1:30 pm at University United Methodist Church, Salina, Kansas. Burial will follow at Gypsum Hill Cemetery. Following burial family and friends may gather in the fellowship room at the University United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be sent to the University United Methodist Church or Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS) of Salina in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio, Salina, Kansas 67401.