Gaye Nelson of Ripon, California, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in Oakland to Roy and Vera Langworthy Price, she grew up on a ranch in Alamo, where she developed a lifelong love of family, adventure, and the simple pleasures of home.
She attended California State University, Fresno, where she was a proud member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. There she met the love of her life, Ron Nelson. They married on September 2, 1966, and this year marks their 60th wedding anniversary. Their marriage was a true and enduring partnership built on love, laughter, travel, and shared dreams.
Gaye was a devoted stay–at–home mother to their two daughters, actively involved in their sports and school activities. When her daughters started school, she became the parish secretary at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.
Later in life, she worked as a travel agent. After Ron retired from Gallo, they opened and operated their own travel agency together, allowing them to explore the world side by side.
An energetic and active woman, Gaye loved gardening, home projects, running, fishing, golf, bridge, and volunteering at the library. She had a special passion for travel, especially her cherished annual trips to Maui and Disney.
Above all, she treasured her family. To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as Mimi. The annual family trips she and Ron organized created memories that remain the most treasured of every grandchild.
She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Ron Nelson; her daughters, Kristine Nelson Nagamine and Trisha Petero; her son–in–law, Kirk Nagamine; seven grandchildren; nine great–grandchildren; and one great–grandchild on the way.
Gaye's greatest legacy is the deep love she shared with her family and the countless joyful memories she created for them. She will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched. God bless you, Mimi. May you rest in God's loving arms, in eternal peace.
Join us for a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Creek Country Club in Ripon.
