Gloria Doreen (Dole) Nelson, 90, of Russell died Wednesday morning, January 11, 2012 at her home.

Gloria was born August 26, 1921 at her parent’s home in Russell, the daughter of Doran R. and Bina (Talbot) Dole.  She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School.  She then attended Beautician’s School.

Gloria was united in marriage to Waldon L. “Larry” Nelson on April 19, 1942 in LaCrosse, Kansas.  This union was blessed with six children; Laurence, Linda, Jeff, Susan, Robert and Janet Sue.  They made their home in Russell until WWII began and Gloria followed Larry to New Mexico.  After the war they returned to Russell until 1953 when Larry’s job had them move to Ft. Morgan, Colorado.  While living in Colorado, Gloria was the owner and operator of the Sue-Linda Beauty Salon.  Then after Larry’s retirement, they moved back to Russell.  Larry preceded her in death on July 18, 2001.

Gloria was proud of her beauty shop in Ft. Morgan, but her children and family were most important.  She was a dedicated mother who was involved with activities that her children were in like Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts.  She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church.  She also belonged to the Russell V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post 99 Ladies Auxiliary and the Elks Lodge.  She enjoyed camping, cooking, baking, gardening and Big Band ballroom dancing.

Surviving family include two daughters, Linda Belau (Dennis) of Monument, Colorado and Susan Silz of Ft. Morgan, Colorado; three sons, Laurence Nelson (Cathy) of Salina, Kansas, Jeff Nelson (Karyn) of Assaria, Kansas and Robert Nelson of Greeley, Colorado; brother, Sen. Bob Dole (Elizabeth) of Washington, D.C.; sister, Norma Jean Steele of Russell, Kansas; companion Carl Rein of the home; 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Janet Sue Nelson, and brother Kenneth Dole.

Celebration of Gloria’s Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell with Pastor John Thompson officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 5 PM Friday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary as well as 9 AM to Noon on Saturday.  A memorial has been established with Trinity United Methodist Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.