Ann A. Nelson, 89, of Leeds, ND, formerly of Churchs Ferry, ND, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022, at the Heart of America Medical Center, Rugby, ND.  A Graveside Service for Ann and Roland will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, June, 25, 2022 at Churchs Ferry Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Churchs Ferry Alumni Association: 420 3 ^rd Street SE Leeds, ND 58346 or Churchs Ferry Cemetery Association: 420 6 ^th Avenue SE Leeds, ND 58346.

Ann A. Helgeseth was born August 1, 1932, to Theodore and Alma (Blegen) Helgeseth in Churchs Ferry.  She was raised and educated in Churchs Ferry, graduating with the class of 1951.  Ann was united in marriage to Roland Nelson on March 21, 1952, at Zion Lutheran Church in Churchs Ferry.  The couple lived in Devils Lake, Minot and Churchs Ferry before moving to Leeds in 2000 after the area flooding and buyout of Churchs Ferry.  Ann and Roland were members of the Zion Lutheran Church until it closed in 2011, when they joined Leeds Lutheran Church.

Ann was an active member in the Zion Lutheran Church.  She taught Sunday school for over 50 years and, as a member of the WELCA, served many years as a circle chairman and over 25 years as WELCA quilting chairman.  Ann was a member of the Churchs Ferry Alumni Association and building manager of the Churchs Ferry Alumni museum. She was also a member of the Churchs Ferry Senior Club and the Devils Lake VFW Auxiliary.

Ann enjoyed crafting, quilting, jigsaw puzzles, card games and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. Ann also enjoyed doll collecting, especially Shirley Temple dolls and related memorabilia. She was known to the locals as 'The Donut Lady', donating donuts to numerous functions and fund raisers.

Ann is survived by her daughters, Louise Nelson and Connie Nelson of Churchs Ferry, ND; sister, Jean Boesl of Edmore, ND; brother-in-law, Robert (Evie) Nelson of Harvey, ND; special friend, Deanna Dagen of LaMoure, ND; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland Nelson; parents, Theodore and Alma Helgeseth; brother, Arden (Sylvia) Helgeseth; brothers-in-law, Glenn Biby and Elmer Boesl.