Hadley Lane Nelson, 16, gained her angel wings Saturday, October 2, 2021, surrounded by her mom, dad, and two brothers, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. She was born April 25, 2005, in Hutchinson, to Aaron and Heather (Smith) Nelson.

Hadley attended Nickerson schools her entire life, and was currently a junior at Nickerson High School.  She enjoyed taking part in musicals, choir, and playing her saxophone in the concert band and jazz band.  Hadley was also on the wrestling and soccer team, and co-captain of the Nickerson High School cheer squad.  In her spare time, she made sure she kept her two brothers, Addrick and Atton in line.

Hadley was beautiful, both inside and outside, and loved life.  She was an inspiration to many and admired by everyone she met.  For the past two years, Hadley continued to be a fighter every day with grace and dignity, and never complained about her pain level or difficulty breathing.  Family, friends, and even strangers were touched by Hadley's motivating personality.

Hadley is survived by:  her parents, Heather and Aaron Nelson; brothers, Addrick and Atton Nelson, all of Nickerson; paternal grandparents, Shirley and Ron Nelson of Yoder; great-grandma, JoAnn Pearce of McPherson; aunts, uncles, and cousins, Mike Smith and his children, Mason and Mylee, Bobbie Lamb (Robb Conner) and her children, Samantha, Todd, and Christin, Holly McCrory and her children, Jason and Jeffrey, April Higgins (CJ) and their children, Lili and Bryar, Stella "Joey" Smith  and her children, Payton and Tucker, Ashley Smith and her children, Braxton, Isy, and Kenny, Brian Nelson (Nicky) and their children, Bryce, Taylor, Emily, Jacob, and Cassie, and Brad Nelson (Kelly) and child, Zach; and many friends, and teammates.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Judy and Tom Smith, and her uncles, Michael Nelson and Jason Smith.

Friends may call from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 6, 2021, and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 7, 2021, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.  Cremation will follow.

Celebration of Life service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021, at First Church of the Nazarene, 4290 N. Monroe, Hutchinson, with Pastor Kent Pedersen officiating.

Memorials are suggested to the Hadley Nelson Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.

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