Cherilyn Nelle (Splett) Nelson, age 77, of Owatonna, passed away July 24, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She was born October 6, 1945, in Albert Lea to Edwin and Dorothy (McGrath) Splett. She attended schools in New Richland, MN and graduated in 1963 from New Richland – Hartland High School.
Cherilyn started taking classes for her undergraduate degree in Textile Science at the University of Minnesota, when she met Glenn Nelson, who later became her husband. The two moved to Michigan State where she finished her Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Arts Degree. The couple later divorced.
Cherilyn returned to the University of Minnesota to complete her PhD in Textile Science. She had the opportunity to teach textile science at multiple locations including: University of Minnesota, North Dakota State University, Purdue, East Carolina University and Eastern Kentucky University where she met and married James Grigsby. She left her teaching job in Eastern Kentucky and moved to Massilon, Ohio and Seneca, South Carolina where she worked at Ansell LTD as the Vice President of Fiber and Knitting Technology in collaboration with Clemson University.
Cherilyn loved gardening, quilting, redecorating houses, reading and a special fondness for cats.
She is survived by brother Ron (Mary) Splett of Apple Valley, MN; sisters Kathleen (Ken) Schumacher of St. Michael, MN, and Karen Splett of Owatonna; nephew David Splett of Loveland, Colorado and his daughter Emily; niece, Carolyn Grosh of Dallas, Texas and her children Mackenzie, Matthew and Madeleine.
She was preceded in death by husband James Grigsby; parents and brother, Warren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.