Nelle Geraldine (Rutan) Shields

Nelle Geraldine Rutan Shields, age 101, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Born on May 25, 1923, to John L. and Carrie Bonar Rutan in Moundsville, WV. Nelle was a longtime resident of Harrisville, OH area and most recently lived in Mt. Pleasant, OH.

A devoted member of the Harrisville Methodist Church for over 75 years, Nelle was deeply involved in her community. She served faithfully on the election board and held the position of Board Treasurer for the Olive Branch Cemetery for many years.

Her greatest passion was her family and working alongside her beloved husband of 53 years on their registered Polled Hereford farm. She found joy in tending to the livestock, cultivating a bountiful garden, and caring for her vibrant array of flowers. Each summer, she lovingly prepared meals and refreshments for the local boys who helped put up hay for the farm.

Nelle was preceded in death by her husband, George Clayton “Ike” Shields, Jr.; her parents, John L. and Carrie Rutan; her brother, Glenn (Ester) Rutan; and her sister, Ruth (Harry) Powell.

She is survived by her son, Glenn William (Karen) Shields of Sunrise Beach, MO; daughters, Ruth Ellen (George) Phillips of Hilliard, OH, and Janell Mae (Tom) Lengyel of Mt. Pleasant, OH; granddaughter, LaRae Karlenn (Shawn) Smedley of Eureka, MO; grandson, Grant McQuain (Casey) Shields of Lee’s Summit, MO; and four cherished great-grandchildren, Colten Shields, Jaelyn Shields, Tyler Smedley and Alex Smedley. And of course, her “Buddy” Tonya, who we could not have done without.

Friends may call Wednesday from 2-8 pm in the Wilson Funeral Home154 Second St., Dillonvale. Funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 am in the Harrisville Methodist Church, 49355 East Main St., Harrisville, OH, with Reverend Ken Staley officiating. Burial will follow in Holly Memorial Gardens, Pleasant Grove.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Harrisville Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 173, Harrisville, OH 43974 or to the Gentiva Foundation, (hospice), 100 Welday St., Suite G, Wintersville, OH 43953.

To express on-line condolences please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com.

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