Hollis (Holly) Colleen Nelson passed away on Wednesday, July 14 at home with her cherished family around her. Daughter of Bruce and Betty Graves of Sheridan, Oregon, Holly was born on September 24, 1954. She graduated from Sheridan High School in the class of 1972 and Oregon State University, class of 1977.
Holly’s focus in journalism and photography while attending OSU opened the door to new opportunities in newspaper, corporate marketing and public relations, graphic design, as well as real estate. She led a full and adventurous life, always looking for the next new thing!
Shortly after graduating with her degree from OSU, Holly began working at the McMinnville News-Register, taking on roles as a reporter and photographer before becoming an award winning journalist and editor. Her next adventure led her to Evergreen International Aviation where she was a corporate marketing and advertising manager for over fifteen years. Holly’s keen eye and passion for graphic design were the inspiration behind McGrafix, one of her many small businesses.
The proverbial “band geek”, Holly played trumpet in the OSU marching band, and throughout the years that followed her undergraduate studies, she remained involved and connected to the band program, playing trumpet in both the One More Time Around Marching Band and the OSU Alumni Marching Band. Holly also taught swim lessons at Osborn Aquatic Center in Corvallis, and in her free time loved to garden, cook, and plan her next party.
Holly raised her family not far from where she grew up, sharing with them a deep sense of family connection and community, as well as their Dutch heritage.
Holly is survived by her mother, Betty Graves, and siblings Randon Graves and Royce Graves (Mary), as well as her three children; Keri Tripiano, Alison Ocampo (Randy) and Brandon Nelson, her grandchildren Teagan and Annemieke Ocampo, and numerous beloved extended family members. She is preceded in death by her husband, Rick Nelson, her father, Bruce Graves, her sister-in-law-law Connie Graves, and son-in-law-law Mario Tripiano.
A viewing will be held at Macy & Son Funeral Home in McMinnville on Wednesday, July 20 from 4-7 p.m. Graveside services to follow on Thursday, July 21 at 1 p.m. at Green Crest Cemetery in Sheridan.
There will be a gathering and refreshments to follow after the service.
