Grace Alice Nelson, 88, of Big Rapids, passed away on Friday, May 4, 2012, at Tendercare Alpena. She was born July 24, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, to Richard and Martha (Schut) Baker. During World War II, she worked in the Muskegon area working in a factory producing products for the military effort. She married Manuel Nelson on June 14, 1947 in Big Rapids. Grace spent most of her entire married life as a homemaker. As a talented seamstress, she spent many hours sewing for both her family and others. Crafts were also a passion that she greatly enjoyed. She was involved with 4-H, MORAC, Colfax Township election committee, and Mecosta County Rod and Gun Club for many years. She is survived by a son, Stan (Gerri) Nelson of Alpena; two grandsons, Eric (Adina) Nelson of Noblesville, Ind., and Nathan (Lisa) Nelson of Portland, Ore.; two great-granddaughters, Raina, and Hadley; a foster daughter, Nancy Houck now of Alpena; a brother, Richard (Betty) Baker of Sherwood, Ohio; several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Besides her husband Manuel, Grace was preceded in death by one sister, Alice Grace Nelson (Baker), and one brother, Matthew Albert Baker. A memorial service is being planned for 11:00 am, Saturday, June 2, 2012, at Daggett~Gilbert Funeral Home of Big Rapids. Her grandsons Eric and Nathan will be officiating. Contributions in Grace's memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.