Bettie Florence Nelms

Bettie F. Thomas Nelms of Grand Junction, passed away on March 11, 2017, at the age of 93, with family by her side. She was born April 20, 1923 in Woodlake, California to Leon B. and Ethel Thomas of Colorado. Bettie married Joe B. Nelms on February 19, 1942. Bettie was a housewife, raised four children, liked bowling, enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, playing cards, bingo and cooking. Bettie and Joe were avid members of the Eagles Lodge 595 of Grand Junction for approximately 35 years. Bettie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe Nelms; 2 sisters, Dolores Carilisle of Arkansas and Juanita Roberts of Utah; 2 brothers, Robert Thomas of Nevada, and L.B. Thomas of Grand Junction; 2 daughters, Sherry L. Heinecke and Christine Goglin of Grand Junction; and a granddaughter, Twana “TJ” Barnes of California. Survivors of Bettie include 1 sister, Beatrice Harkins of Denver; 4 brothers, Chuck (Annie) Thomas of Grand Junction, Harold Thomas of Nevada, Eugene Thomas of Utah, and Lawrence “Bud” Thomas of Alabama; sons, John (Beth) Nelms of Grand Junction and Lloyd (Denise) Nelms of Arizona; 12 grandchildren, Dawn Weight, Tonja (Bill) Barnett, and Jack Heinecke of Grand Junction; Sherry (Kenneth) Montgomery, RickyLee Brownlee, and Leon Brownlee of California; Amanda (Paul) Snider, Joseph (Brittney) Nelms, Michelle Medina, Jennifer (Steve) Bagdol, Crystal (Juan) Arroyo, Samantha (Ken) Taylor; 31 greatgrandchildren; and 43 great-greatgrandchildren.

There will be a graveside service performed by the Eagles Lodge 595 at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Pkwy, Grand Junction, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to Hope West at 3090B North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506.