Myrna Ellen Nellis passed away Friday, October 5, 2012 at Altercare Nursing Home in Big Rapids. She was born November 27, 1923 at Ecorse, Wayne County, MI to John Louis Rabanus born in Frazee, MN and Maude Sofia (Nott) Rabanus born in Mecosta County. Her family moved to Mecosta County where her mother passed away in the fall of 1934. Her father moved the family to MN and in her teens she moved back to Mecosta County to live on the Nott farm with relatives. Myrna married James Edward Nellis of Fork Township, Barryton, MI on February 26th, 1942 in Wauseon, Ohio just before he was sent to World War II for four years. They settled in Mecosta County until death. Myrna was a life member of VFW Post #2335 ladies Auxiliary of Mecosta where she served on many committees and fundraisers. She worked for many years at the former Harvest Table Restaurant; she sold Avon for years and did housekeeping and babysitting for many local families in the Chippewa area. Myrna was an active member of the Chippewa Lake Community and their ladies aide club; she belonged to the Extension group, the Young Women's group, the Community Church and she was in the cookie club that made cookies and passed them out to elderly and needy families. She is survived by a daughter, Margie Nellis of Ypsilanti, a daughter, Darlene Bongard of Rodney, a son, Peter Nellis of Rodney and a daughter, Gail (Jeff) Schultz of Morley; grandchildren, Tish (Luis) and Shawn Macurio, Chad Johansen (Renae), Clay Johansen (Angie), Kim Wilber(Darin), James Nellis (Jessica), Jennifer Nellis, Jordan Nellis, Johnna Luciano (Joe), Kristy Hutchinson (Lester), Kara (Allen) Schultz, Jessica Schultz; great-grandchildren, Aleicia Schultz, Kaitlyn Berens, Gavin and Xander Hutchinson, Kyleigh Glossup-Nellis, soon to be Brooklynn Nellis, Alexander Johansen, Keegan Johansen, Olivia and Isabella Johansen, Philip , Kurt, Eric, and Justin Wilber; step-great-grandchildren, Hunter and Zain Hutchinson; a sister Luella Adas and many nieces and nephews. Myrna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother and two sisters, a son and a son-in-law. A memorial service will take place 12:00 p.m. (noon) Friday, October 12th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with, David Bennett, Myrna's cousin, officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services on Friday at the funeral home. The family also wishes to invite everyone to a gathering at the Nellis family farm on Thursday, Oct 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 18149 90th Ave., Rodney. Please come and share memories and stories with the family and you may bring a dish to pass. Memorial contributions in Myrna's name may be made to the Susan P. Wheatlake Women's Cancer and Wellness Fund, the Chippewa Lake Community Building or Chippewa Lake Community Church.