Christina M. Nelson

Christina M. Nelson, age 64, of Upper Sandusky, passed away at 5:25 PM on Friday, May 28, 2021, at Hospice of Central Ohio in Columbus, Ohio.

Christina was born on January 17, 1957, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, to Paul F. and Lois Ann (Sammet) Rife and they both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Brian Rife.

Christina is survived by her brother Kenny Rife of Arizona, a special sister-in-law Missy Rife of Upper Sandusky, nephew, Cory Rife of Raleigh, North Dakota, niece Erin (J.R.) Laborie of Beaver City, Nebraska, two great nieces: Eva and Alex Laborie of Beaver City, Nebraska, as well as many cousins and close friends.

Christina graduated from Upper Sandusky High School, Class of 1975, and then attended Michigan State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture. She later attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College School of Nursing and received her associate’s degree, graduating in nursing.

Christina was employed as an R.N. at the Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Veterans Administration Medical Center – where she received the Secretary’s Hands and Hearts Award in 1999 for compassionate care above and beyond the call of duty, and at Select Specialty Hospital, Battle Creek, Michigan. She worked at Brook Lodge-Michigan State University- for 20 years as a groundskeeper and at River Street Flowerland in Kalamazoo, for 28 years.

Christina was a member of the Michigan State University Alumni Association, a life member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and a member of St. Paul Lutheran Women’s Ruth/Naomi Circle. She also attended Nevada Lutheran Church, Martin Luther Lutheran Church, and Harpster United Methodist Church. She volunteered at the Christian Food Center in Upper Sandusky.

Christina enjoyed traveling the world and hiking – from Machu Picchu to Croatia and all parts in between. She loved spending time in the great outdoors, gardening, and spending time with friends.

A funeral service for Christina Nelson will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky, and will be officiated by Pastor Barry Halter Jr., and Rev. Soo-Hea Park. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Visitations for Christina will be held prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Food Center, Wyandot Memorial Hospital, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Nevada Lutheran Church, Martin Luther Lutheran Church, or Harpster United Methodist Church, and can be sent to Lucas-Batton at 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

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