Helen Louise "Dot" Nelson, age 88, died Saturday, February 17, 2007, at Fort Scott Medicalodge. She was born May 9, 1918, in Fort Scott, the daughter of John Albert Strickline and Mert Louise Turk. She was raised by her aunts, Anna and Rachel Turk, and attended the Fort Scott Plaza School. "Dot" married Anthony Nelson Sr. on September 16, 1939. They were later divorced. She had been employed by Campbell's Laundry. She was a member of the United Missionary Baptist Church. Her hobbies included playing the piano, dancing, and listening to rhythm and blues.

Survivors include three daughters, Katherine Hopkins and Joann Vann, both of Fort Scott and Barbara Cruikshank, Joliet, Illinois; one sister, Rosalie Nelson, Lockport, Illinois; and a daughter-in-law, Deborah Nelson, Fort Scott. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by a son, Anthony Nelson Jr.; brother, Wallace Rogers; one granddaughter; and one grandson.

The Rev. Christopher M. Culbreth and the Rev. Leroy Nelson will conduct funeral services at 1 p.m. Thursday in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. Thursday until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Medicalodge Activity Fund and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.