Barbara Nelsen, 82, died July 9, 2005 at Whidbey Island Manor. She was born Sept. 7, 1922 to Ernest E. and Alberta Huntziker Winters in Dos Palos, Calif.

Barbara spent her early years in northern and middle California.  She graduated from Salinas High School in June 1940. She joined the Navy in February 1943 and became an SpQ – Specialist Communications Technician.  Barbara spent the rest of the war in Washington, D.C. She was discharged and then re-enlisted later and was stationed at Oakland where she met Rex Nelsen. They married Easter Sunday, on April 17, 1949. They traveled with the Navy and eventually were transferred to Oak Harbor in November 1960.  Rex retired in April 1972 and they remained to make their home here.

Barbara was a member of the Christian Women’s Club and worked with Stonecroft Bible Study. She enjoyed needlework and crochet. Barbara enjoyed making layettes and giving them away to parents with newborn babies.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 56 years, Rex, at the family home in Oak Harbor, as well as son Rex Nelsen with his wife Suzanne of Jeffersonton, Va., daughter Barbara Johnson with her husband Larry of Coupeville, and daughter Celeste Nelsen of Everett. She also leaves six grandchildren, Jessica and husband Justin Addis of Herington, Kan., Christopher Johnson of Coupeville and Victoria, Brita, Rex and Miriam Nelsen, all of Jeffersonton, Va., and one brother, Don Winters with his wife Daphne of Pacific Grove, Calif., a sister, Ernestine Paine of Corona, Calif., and a sister-in-law, Lee Winters of Carilla, Calif. She was preceded in death by her brother Chuck Winters, as well as both parents.

Visitation for Barbara will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, July 13,from 1 to 5 p.m. for those who would like to pay their respects.  A private family internment will follow. 

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.