Mary Ann Nelson, 87, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, died Thursday, December 29, 2022. She was born in Austin, Texas in 1935 to Clarede and Reed Baker. She attended high school in Austin, where she met her future husband, Richard (Dick) Nelson. They were married in 1953.

The couple lived in Texas for more than 40 years before discovering their love for the Ozarks and Northwest Arkansas. What began as a vacation spot eventually turned into their full-time home after retirement. Mary Ann taught in Texas and Arkansas public schools for decades.

She was a graduate of Baylor University, but she became a true Razorback fan after moving to Northwest Arkansas. She was an active member of the Highland Christian Church in Bella Vista.

Mary Ann is survived by her son, Wayne, of New Preston, Connecticut; two daughters, Kimberly and Elizabeth Nelson of Denton, Texas; one sister, Margaret Wilson of Powhatan, Virginia; her three grandchildren, Benjamin Nelson of McKinney, Texas, Joseph Nelson of Austin, Texas and Lila Nelson of New Preston, Connecticut; and two great-grandchildren, Pierce Nelson and Macie Nelson, of McKinney, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 2, 2023, at Highland Christian Church, 1500 Forest Hills Blvd (Hwy 279) in Bella Vista, Pastor Skip French presiding. She will be buried alongside her late husband in a private ceremony at the Fayetteville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be left at www.funeralmation.com.