Obituary of Marguerite "Billie" Levay Nelson

Marguerite “Billie” Levay Nelson

August 20, 1935  -  April 26, 2026

Billie Nelson passed away on April 26, 2026 in Stettler Alberta at the age of 90. A celebration of life will be held at Stettler Funeral Home on Tuesday May 5th at 2pm.

Billie was born in Camrose to Ken and Veronica Rattell on August 20th, 1935. She grew up on a farm near Ohaton with her 8 brothers and sisters. In 1955, she married Don and moved to New Norway. Their first son Darryl was born in 1956. In 1958 they moved to Stettler and David was born followed by Murray in 1961 where she called home for 68 years. She worked at Lou’s Fashions and the Stettler Recreation Center over the course of her career. As winters started to feel too cold, what began as short annual trips to Phoenix gradually turned them into snowbirds.

Billie loved to stay busy and took great joy in her many hobbies, including golfing, sewing, cross-stitch, quilting, and cross-country skiing, among others. She cherished camping trips with her boys and spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Vanessa and Brayden. Her handmade quilts and sewing projects were treasured gifts, lovingly received by many. In 2013, at the age of 77, she proudly walked the Lost Dutchman Half Marathon in Apache Junction.

She was an active member of her community, serving as a Cub Scout leader for a number of years and volunteering with the United Church Women and Superfluity. She also supported many local events, including the Terry Fox Run, and was recognized by the Terry Fox Foundation for her dedicated volunteer contributions.

Left to cherish Billie's memory are her husband of 70 years Donald Nelson; son’s Darryl (Karen) Nelson & David (Cindy) Nelson; grandchildren Zachary Nelson (Pamela Parsons), Taylor (Ryan) Friele, Lauren Nelson, & Nicholas Nelson; great grandchildren Felicity Friele, Leonidas Parsons-Nelson, & Henley Friele; brother Paul (Lorraine) Rattell; sisters Joan Kroetsch, Anne Ramstad, Evva (Tom) Tomaszewski, & Donna (Ron) Harmider; cherished family friends Joanne Scheerschmidt, Lisa (Tyler) Brown, Joanna (Dallas) Rock, Vanessa and Brayden Rock, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives & friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Veronica & Ken Rattell; son Murray Nelson; brother Jack (Christie) Rattell; sisters Joyce (Harry) McLachlan & Freda (Virg) Batke; brother-in-law's Larry Kroetsch & Vern Ramstad; & cherished family friend Ron Scheerschmidt.

                                                                                                    Celebration of Life                                                                                                      

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 2:00pm

Stettler Funeral Home, Stettler, Alberta.

Memorial donations may be made to the Stettler Food Bank, the Terry Fox Foundation, or the M.S. Society. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Stettler Hospital and Heart Haven Lodge for their great care.