Waneta A. Nelson, 87, of Indianapolis, passed away October 4, 2017. The daughter of Shellie and Loucretia Shope Staten, Waneta was born July 2, 1930 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Butler University and her Master of Science from Indiana University. For 25 years, she was a teacher at Homecroft Elementary. Previously, she had worked for Eli Lilly and Company. Waneta was a member of Olive Branch Christian Church, where she served as church organist. She also loved her grand-dogs very much.

Survivors include her son, Stephen Nelson of Lumberton, TX; grandchildren, Brandon (Anastasia) Herget of Indianapolis, Kendal (Brian) Ayers of Hilliard, OH, Kayla (James Walters) Herget of Indianapolis, Erin Herget of Mishawaka and son-in-law, Frederick Herget of Indianapolis. In addition to her parents, Waneta was preceded in death by her husband, Harry J. Nelson, Jr.; daughter, Kathy M. Herget, for whom she served as her primary caregiver; and brothers, Earl and Robert Staten.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. October 8, 2017 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home – 1977 South State Road 135, Greenwood, where friends may call after 1:00 p.m. Private entombment at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - PO Box 1000, Department 142 Mephis, TN 38101-9908.

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