Gale Ellen Nelson (71), an award-winning crafter and golfer, claimed her baptismal promise passing away from pancreatic cancer on October 6, 2025. Gale was born on November 27, 1953 at Elgin Air Force Base in Florida. She spent her early years with her parents, John and Shirley (Cooper) Spillane and her three siblings: Steve, Mark, and Sharon. Gale graduated from Arvada High School and later earned an associate’s degree in business. On March 13, 1993, she married Roger Nelson. Gale had three children: Edward Nusbaum, Lisa (Nusbaum) Davis, and Kimberly Nusbaum.

Gale had various retail and clerical jobs. Also, she was a bartender and an assistant manager at a photo lab. Additionally, she was a photographer. Gale retired in November of 2017.

A talented crafter, Gale belonged to an artistic stained glass club and various sewing, quilting, and craft clubs. She enjoyed golf and was a member of the Riverview Ladies and the Highland Hills golf leagues. Additionally, Gale liked playing pickleball, taking photos, camping, and gardening.

Gale is predeceased by her parents, John and Shirley Spillane; her brother, Mark Spillane; her sister, Sharon (Spillane) Sutherland; her grandson, Matt Nusbaum; and her granddaughter, Samantha Nusbaum. She is survived by her husband, Roger Nelson; her son, Edward Nusbaum; her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Mike Davis; her daughter, Kimberly Nusbaum; and her grandchildren: Piper and Alyssa Davis and Brennen Nusbaum. She is also survived by her brother, Steve Spillane; sisters-in-law and their spouses: Debra (Terry) Knutson, Lori (Rick) Swan, and Sandy (Jeff) Alexander. She is also survived by cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gale’s Liturgy of Resurrection will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope (1305 West 10th Ave. in Broomfield, Colorado) on November 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with committal rite in the LCHope Columbarium immediately following. A lunch reception will follow. Gale’s liturgy will be webcasted live at www.lchope.org/watch. In lieu of flowers, donations to A Precious Child are welcome.