In Memory Of
Betty Jean Nelson
1929
2016
Betty Jean Nelson
July 21, 1929 — December 6, 2016
Betty Jean Nelson, 87, Topeka, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 6, 2016.
She was born July 21, 1929, in Clay Center, the daughter of Carl and Mabel (Toburen) Chelstrom.
She spent her childhood in Randolph, Kansas, attended Randolph schools. She played on the basketball team, was part of the Home Ec Club, Glee Club, School Drama and Band. She graduated in 1947. Upon graduation, she received academic honors and was voted Outstanding Senior Woman.
She graduated from Kansas State University in 1951 with a Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics and Institutional Management.
After a year's internship in Chicago at Michael Reese Hospital, she married Donald Lee Nelson on August 20, 1952, whom she had known since first grade. While Donald was still going to school, she worked at the University of Kansas as a Dietician.
They moved to Topeka in 1962. Along with raising her family, she was a member and volunteered in many areas of Lowman United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and in the Kansas East Conference office. Most dear to her was her global mission work and her involvement in the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice, where she earned a lifetime achievement award in 2013.
Betty was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed taking the women of the family to the KC Ballet, traveling and socializing with friends and family. People will remember her by her boisterous laugh.
Betty is survived by daughters, Amy (Dan) Nackley of Basehor and Susan Nelson of Leavenworth; son, Jim (Gwyn) Nelson of Topeka. She has five grandchildren and four great-grandsons: April Nelson, Emily (Gabriel) Fossoh, Sarah (Steve) Ramos, Aaron (Alyssa) Perkins, Corey Perkins, Matthew Nelson, Micah and Noah Ramos. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years in 2015; her parents; and great-grandson, David Fossoh.
A Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Lowman United Methodist Church, 4101 SW 15th in Topeka. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Private family inurnment will be in the Fancy Creek Cemetery in Randolph.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lowman United Methodist Church or the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice.
To leave a special message for the family online, visit the guestbook below.
She was born July 21, 1929, in Clay Center, the daughter of Carl and Mabel (Toburen) Chelstrom.
She spent her childhood in Randolph, Kansas, attended Randolph schools. She played on the basketball team, was part of the Home Ec Club, Glee Club, School Drama and Band. She graduated in 1947. Upon graduation, she received academic honors and was voted Outstanding Senior Woman.
She graduated from Kansas State University in 1951 with a Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics and Institutional Management.
After a year's internship in Chicago at Michael Reese Hospital, she married Donald Lee Nelson on August 20, 1952, whom she had known since first grade. While Donald was still going to school, she worked at the University of Kansas as a Dietician.
They moved to Topeka in 1962. Along with raising her family, she was a member and volunteered in many areas of Lowman United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and in the Kansas East Conference office. Most dear to her was her global mission work and her involvement in the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice, where she earned a lifetime achievement award in 2013.
Betty was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed taking the women of the family to the KC Ballet, traveling and socializing with friends and family. People will remember her by her boisterous laugh.
Betty is survived by daughters, Amy (Dan) Nackley of Basehor and Susan Nelson of Leavenworth; son, Jim (Gwyn) Nelson of Topeka. She has five grandchildren and four great-grandsons: April Nelson, Emily (Gabriel) Fossoh, Sarah (Steve) Ramos, Aaron (Alyssa) Perkins, Corey Perkins, Matthew Nelson, Micah and Noah Ramos. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years in 2015; her parents; and great-grandson, David Fossoh.
A Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Lowman United Methodist Church, 4101 SW 15th in Topeka. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Private family inurnment will be in the Fancy Creek Cemetery in Randolph.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lowman United Methodist Church or the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice.
To leave a special message for the family online, visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Jean Nelson, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Lowman United Methodist Church
Memorial Service
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Lowman United Methodist Church
Guestbook
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