Barbara Nelson Clinch

1941 - 2025

Barbara Nelson Clinch

October 23, 1941 - August 26, 2025

Barbara Nelson Clinch, 83, of Grand Island, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Grand Island Regional Medical Center. A faithful servant of Christ, her earthly journey came to a peaceful close as she entered her eternal home in Heaven.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 12, at Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island, with Reverend Luke Biggs officiating. Entombment of ashes will be at the Grand Island Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, to honor her memorials to organizations dear to Barbara's heart: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, My Bridge Radio, GRACE Foundation, American Heart Association, Peace Lutheran Church, the Department of Music at UNK, MADD, United Way, or the Stuhr Museum. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Barbara was born on October 23, 1941, on the family farm in Phelps County, Neb., to Vernon and Dorothy (Johnston) Nelson. Raised on that land north of Loomis, her childhood was rooted in faith, music, and the simple joys of country life. She graduated from Loomis High School in 1959 and later earned a Bachelor of Music in Education from Kearney State College. There, she sang with the traveling group, Choraleers, played the lead role in South Pacific and served as a varsity cheerleader-sharing her energy, her voice, and her heart and doing it all in three busy years to graduate with her promised husband.

On August 11, 1962, she married John Clinch in Kearney, Neb. Together they built a life of adventure, moving from Lincoln to Omaha, St. Louis County, and Arlington, Texas, before making Grand Island their lasting home in 1977. Though they never knew where the next move might take them, Barbara poured her spirit into each new house-filling it with beauty, music, faith, and love. Barbara's life was a testimony to her deep relationship with Christ. She lived her faith quietly but boldly- through service, music, hospitality, and teaching. She was on the board at United Way, served the Stuhr Museum, and opened her home for Fellowship of Christian Athletes gatherings. She served on both the State and National MAAD Board, and served on the My Bridge Radio board. At St. Leo's she played piano and led worship, often offering solos that stilled the room and lifted hearts to Heaven. She was the Co- Founder of Clinch Financial where she served as CFO and whatever it took to keep John busy. While living in Texas, she founded Christian Joy, a ministry created to share the love and truth of God's Word with others. A devoted mother, Barbara cherished her role in raising her three children. She taught music and piano lessons in her home and passed on not only skill, but joy. Earlier in her career, she taught choir at Pius X High School and then St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing in Lincoln. A gifted painter, her oil and watercolors canvas art continues to adorn the walls of her home-each piece a quiet reflection of the beauty she saw in the world.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 63 years, John Clinch; and their children: Lisa (John) Baasch of Grand Island, Shelley (Jason) Ferneau of Denver, Colo., Dr. TJ (Cassy) Clinch of Kearney. She was a loving and proud grandmother to ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who carry forward her legacy of love and faith. She is also survived by her siblings: Vernon Nelson, Wesley (Connie) Nelson, and Julie (Jim) Nelson, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Johnny Nelson; and sister-in-law, Marvel Nelson.

Barbara will be remembered for her gracious heart, her quiet strength, her passion for music and art, and most of all, for her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Her life was a beautiful reflection of His love-a melody of grace, kindness, and joy that will echo in the hearts of all who knew her. "Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord." - Matthew 25:21

All Faiths Funeral Home