Nellie Pummel formerly of Spearfish died peacefully on May 7, 2010.



Born March 10, 1926 near Hulett, Wyoming, Nellie was the first child of George and Edith Lorene Watts. The Watts family ancestors were some of the first pioneers to settle in Wyoming and as a result Nellie always had a strong bond with the land where she grew up. A consummate reader, Nellie had a special interest in history and shared not only her love of reading but also her love of history with her own children.



Nellie married Adrian Kipp on August 31, 1946 and they had three children: twin daughters, Sherry and Shirley and a son, Scott. After Scott's birth in 1966, the family relocated to California where Nellie became a staunch advocate for children with disabilities and special needs and was determined to make changes in the lack of societal provisions for those unable to speak for themselves. Nellie worked tirelessly throughout her nursing career to make a difference in people's lives, both young and old, and those who knew her will remember her strengths and indomitable spirit.



Nellie returned to South Dakota in the early 90's and married Clayton Pummel in 1995. She remained in Spearfish following his death in 2004. Nellie is survived by three sisters, Mae Neiman, Winnie Bush and Linda Hyatt and a brother, George Watts Jr. Nellie has five grandchildren: Christopher Castro, Paul Castro, Ana Destafano, Zachary Eslinger and Stacy Small as well as those who became part of her family when she married Clayton: Glen, Nancy, Janice, Eloise and Steven. Nellie always said she had 'too many grandchildren and great grandchildren to count' and so never did.



Her deep and abiding faith, learned from her parents, had always given her the strength she needed to face the many challenges in her life. One never had to ask where Nellie stood on a particular issue. She was never shy about saying what she thought or what she believed in and it was always better to have Nellie on your side than not.



Nellie loved gardening, walking in the country, listening to the wind in the pines, and red shoes. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her tenacity, her rugged individualism and her ability to face adversity. She was one of a kind.....................





Visitation will be held on Monday, May 10, 2010 5:00pm-7:00pm at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish.



Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 10:00am at Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church in Spearfish. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD



Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com