Avanell "Nellie" Chase

Avanell "Nellie" Chase, 82, of Kalkaska, passed away on Monday, Sept. 8, 2008, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Nellie was born on April 10, 1926, to John Marvin and Florence (Hubbell) McFarren in Traverse City.

On Aug. 28, 1948, Nellie joined William Raymond Chase in marriage at St. Francis Church in Traverse City. They raised their family in Battle Creek, Farmington Hills and retired to Kalkaska.

Nellie was an active church member at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church and loved to serve the Lord with song.

Her main interest in life was caring for her family and enjoying time with her extended family.

Nellie was the cherished wife of William "Bill", sharing 60 years of happiness and love; the loving mother to Gary (Doralie) Chase and Steven (Colleen) Chase. Nellie has five treasured grandchildren, Chris, Heather, Brianne, Amanda and Shelby; five great-grandchildren, Owen Mayberry, Collin Chase, Macy Koke, Dakota Chase and Emilia Koke; 10 nephews; six nieces; 13 great-nephews; and 12 great-nieces. Nellie remembered each of them every year with a card on their birthdays from ages one to 18. Also surviving are Nellie's brother, Lyle (Gloria) McFarren; and sister-in-law, Dorothy (Robert) Fifarek.

Nellie was preceded in death by two sisters, Marce (Glenn) Plucker and Leatha McFarren; and one brother, Eldon (Mary) Way.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 4 until 8 p.m., with a scripture service at 7 p.m., at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary of the Woods. The Reverend James Barrand will be officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Garden Cemetery in Traverse City.

Memorials may be given to St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, 0438 County Road, 612 NE, Kalkaska, MI 49646 or Right to Life, 512 10th St. NW, Washington DC 20004.