Nellie Jane Gates was the oldest daughter of Dr. Joseph and Jennie Gates. She was born July 31, 1902 in Kenyon, Minnesota.

She was a model student in school completing the first semester of grade 7 without missing a class or being late. She also earned a Palmer method button for penmanship in grade 7.

Nellie had the honor of unfurling a service flag at the 1918 commencement ceremonies for her high school as she had two brothers who were both in the military at the time.

She was chosen for the Minnesota state Governor's select guards and assisted in handing out medals to the returning soldiers at the end of World War 1.

In 1920 she began studies at the University of Minnesota. She was chosen to be on the freshman commission of the YWCA that fall.

Her father died in 1922.

She graduated university in 1923 with a degree in education. After graduation she became a social worker at the Glen Lake Sanatorium.

Nellie married Robert Arthur Shave on August 31, 1935 with her sister Jennie as the bridesmaid. Robert and Nellie had three children.

For the last years of her life she lived in New Richmond Wisconsin. Nellie died on April 11, 1967. She was buried in New Richmond Cemetery.