Ethel Neilson

Ethel was raised on the west side of Pueblo with her five brothers and sisters. Ethel is survived by her sisters Sue Gray, Clara Debski and her brothers Billy and Raymond Mitchell. She was preceeded in death by her loving husband Ben Neilson and her older brother Kenny Pace. Although her family was not financially well to do, she was very rich in spirit. Ethel was a very athletic child having run track and playing volleyball at Pueblo Centennial High School.

Ethel gave birth to her first son, Edward. She and her mother Emma rasied Ed in the same home that Ethel had spent her childhood. Six years later, Ethel had a beautiful daughter Shannon. Again, she very independently raised her two children with as much love as any mother could have ever given.

In 1972 she married the love of her life Ben Neilson. She brought two children into this marriage and worked very hard to create a loving family. The Neilson family moved to Swink, Colorado in 1974 so that Ben could pursue his career as a Colorado State Patrolman. The Neilson family was blessed with a third child, Ben Jr. While living in Swink, Ethel had the cleanest house, best smelling kitchen as well as a huge garden growing a ton of tomatoes and strawberries! She gave her children a wonderful childhood and taught them many life lessons.

The family later relocated back to Pueblo, CO in the winter of 1980. Ethel was an incredibly hard worker and always found time for others. She spent most of her working career in the health care industry in a number of support service type departments. Prior to retirement in 1996, she was the Linen Department Supervisor at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital. Ethel was extremely well-liked and respected by her co-workers and staff.

In addition to working full-time and raising their three children, Ethel also enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and generally making others smile. She was a very devoted grandmother to six grandchildren: Gillian McCain, Alyssa Neilson, Jeremy Neilson, Moudi Neilson, Michael McPherson and Caitlynn McPherson. She had 4 great grandchildren: She was also an amazing mother-in-law to Larry McPherson,,, spouse of Shannon, Maggie Neilson spouse of Ben Jr. and Kelly Russell spouse of Ed. She will be missed by her family and many friends.

Ethel was a member of Word of Faith Church where she served as the "Mother of the Church" as well as running the kitchen for many potlucks and receptions. Her soulful being was a source of love and direction for so many people.

There will be a viewing service for family and friends Wednesday April 19th from 5:00pm till 8:00pm at Imperial Funeral Home, 5450 Hwy 78 Pueblo, CO. Funeral services will commence at 2:00 at Imperial on Thursday, April 20th. Following the burial, a potluck reception will be held at her church at 3939 Redwood Lane, Pueblo, CO. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Word of Faith Church or PAWS.