Nelva Ethel

Van Dusen

Nelva Ethel Van Dusen, of Holland, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 in Hospice at the age of 101. She was born to Matilda and Fred Miller on May 28, 1916. Nelva was a graduate of DeVilbiss High School.  She married Charles I. Van Dusen, who proceeded her in death.

Nelva is survived by a daughter, Marlene (Patrick) Davis of Coldwater, Michigan; grandsons, Elliott (Kristin) Metzger of Maumee, Ohio and Seth (Amanda) Metzger of Monclova, Ohio; great grandchildren, Braiden, Ethan and Cameron Metzger. Abigail, Samantha, Lauren and Elizabeth Metzger. She was affectionately called "Nonny"

She lived in Toledo her entire life. Together with her husband, Charles, they started Van Dusen & Associates. It was a specialized masking company that designed and built spray painting equipment for the automotive industry and toy companies.

Dining out and dancing were probably some of her favorite activities. They belonged to several dance groups throughout the years. Nelva was active in many bridge clubs and played into her early 90's.  She golfed at 80 years plus. (not well) She always kept her mind active with crossword puzzles until she could no longer see.  Books on tape replaced the things she loved to do.

She was determined, persistent and tough. Those qualities were inherited by several family members.  Ethan especially benefited from those traits to get him through some challenging times.  She spent a lifetime keeping family members on the right track.  She always had a sense when something wasn't right or someone was doing something they shouldn't be doing.  A lecture would follow.

Nelva was especially proud of her 37 year old grandsons and their successes. Seth is Vice President of Light Vehicle Engineering and Global Electrification at Dana Incorporated.  Elliott is President of Colgan-Davis Inc.  She adored her son in law, Patrick, who could "do no wrong".

A special thanks to Robin Staples, Peggy Bailey and many other caregivers from Visiting Angels who enabled Nelva to live in her own home for 3 1/2 years.

Long time dear friends at Foth-Dorfmeyer Mortuary will be handling the arrangements.  Services will be private.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fothdorfmeyer.com