Students from the applied horticulture and natural resources program at Venango Technology Center in Oil City planted shrubs Thursday at the Suzette Nellis memorial along the bike trail in the city’s West End.
“The memorial is coming along nicely,” said Suzette’s husband, Jerry Nellis. “I’m especially happy the kids are doing the planting. Suzette would have liked that. It is very appreciated,” Jerry Nellis added.
Suzette Nellis, an Oil City woman and avid walker and trail user, was found dead near the trail in the West End in late March 2023.
Bob Betzold said he and his wife were good friends of Jerry and Suzette Nellis and attended church with them many years ago at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Oil City.
Technology center teacher Christopher Leisher, who brought his class to plant the shrubs, said he and his students will be back to help out as the memorial keeps taking shape.
Work at the site started last summer, and the Nellis family and many community residents and businesses have donated money, materials or labor to make the memorial a reality.
Suzette Nellis’ death was ruled a homicide, and the criminal case against the man accused of killing her is moving through the court system. The man’s trial could happen next month.
