Nellie Flegel, age 96, of Ithaca, died Sunday, July 17, 2011 at the Warwick Living Center in Alma, Michigan.

She was born on March 13, 1915 in rural Bannister, the daughter of Roy and Isa (Whitaker) Peck. She married Clifford G. (Buster) Flegel while he was serving in the US Army during WWII on June 1, 1943 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was an elementary teacher for 45 years. 

She traveled with her Aunt Lela before getting married, and she and her husband Clifford continued to love traveling with their family. After retirement, they saw much of the United States in their RV. 

Nellie loved, cared, and prayed for her husband, family, friends, extended family, and her church family. Church was very important to her, as she served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent, a bible school organizer, and was active in the Women of the Church of God.

Nellie loved to read, sew, quilt, and garden. As her strength waned, she used her energy in making yo-yo dolls. She truly believed in busy hands.

She is survived by her husband, Clifford; 4 children: Elaine (John) Thomas of Ithaca, Keith (Irene) Flegel of Ithaca, Evelyn (Ken) Walter of Greenfield, Indiana, Duane (Bernadette) Flegel of Espanola, New Mexico; 8 grandchildren: Sheila (Tony) Casey of Ithaca, Neil (Sue) Thomas of Howell, Mike (Lori) Thomas of Ithaca, Christine (Justin) Daron of Alma, Stacey (Brent) DeVries of Traverse City, Kendel (Mike) Diehl of Indianapolis, Indiana, Bethany (Tim) Brady of Phoenix, Arizona, and Caleb (Kara) Flegel of Indianapolis; 14 great grandchildren: Seth, Evan, and Nolan Casey of Ithaca, Garrett and Brandon Thomas of Howell, Ashlyn and Ethan Thomas of Ithaca, Elizabeth and Alexander Daron of Alma, Nicholas and Elinor Diehl of Indianapolis, Indiana, Cross and Conner Brady of Phoenix, Arizona, and Kariann Flegel of Indianapolis; and a sister Ruby Stewart of Bannister. She was preceded in death by 7 brothers and sisters: Grace Peck, Arlie Peck, Clyde Peck, Wayne Peck, Ray Peck, Mildred Whitaker, and Lee Peck.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 am Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Edgewood Church of God, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. Burial will be in the North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to the Edgewood Church of God or to the charity of your choice.