Nellie Katherine Minniear, 89, of Lafayette, passed away November 14th, 2015. Nellie was resident of St. Mary's Healthcare since December 2012, where she was lovingly cared for by the staff of St. Mary's. Nellie was born July 1, 1926 to Evelyn Dexter (homemaker) and Irvin Minniear (Monon Bus Driver), in Lafayette, Indiana and lived here all her life. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1945. Nellie's first job after high school was at AAA, formerly Lafayette Hoosier Motor Club where she worked for 30 years and retired. She was asked to come to work at the local Indiana Department of Transportation. She worked there for 10 years, and once again retired because she needed to care for her ailing mother, which she lovingly cared for until her death. Nellie was life-time member of First Reformed Church (renamed Heartland Community Church). Nellie's life was very much involved with the church. She played the organ and piano at there for 55 years, starting when she was only 16 years old. Nellie taught 2-3 year old children in Sunday school and occasionally teaching other children too, along with Bible School. She also led the children's choir at church. Nellie had a beautiful alto voice. She would sing in groups at church. She sang in many musical groups outside of church. One of the groups was named Festival Singers. Nellie was an avid reader. She loved collecting. Especially dolls and she loved stuffed animals. She was a dog lover and enjoyed seeing them whenever she could. She was an artist. She looked forward to her weekly art classes At St. Mary's with Bill Patterson. She painted beautiful landscapes and other pictures. She had many opportunities to sell them but chose instead to give them to the people she loved. Friends may call at the Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909, Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until the service time at 10:00 a.m. Pastors Stephanie & Brandon Smith will be officiating the service. Her internment will be at Rest Haven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Heartland Community Church in Nellie's memory.