Shirley Nelson

Shirley W. Nelson (age 87) passed away April 13, 2011 in her home at Rockwood Manor. She was born in Emmett, Idaho July 22, 1923, the only child of Bertha and Harold Watson. She grew up in St. Maries, Idaho and Butte, Montana. Shirley was one of the first women to attend the Butte School of Mines (College) after graduating from high school. After college, while playing piano in the music store where she worked, she met Emmett Nelson who was to become her husband of 52 years. They married in 1943, a union which lasted until Emmett’s passing in 1997.

During the next nine years Shirley and Emmett, with their three children, lived in various inland Northwest towns where Emmett supervised commercial construction sites. In 1952 they permanently settled in Spokane. While raising their three children, Shirley continued her higher education. She devoted a great deal of time for volunteer work with her church, local hospitals and Camp Fire Girls to name a few. She was an avid reader, gardener, loved playing bridge, loved cats and listening to opera. Shirley is survived by her children, Joyce Nelson of Spokane, Peter R. Nelson and wife Judy of Memphis, TN, Laurie Anderson of Spokane; four grandchildren, Chris Nelson and wife Tara of Riverview, FL, Jamie Nelson and husband Eric Anderson of Viola, IL, Tracey King of Olympia, WA, Andy Anderson of Kauna Kakai, HI; and four great grandchildren, Katie and Maggie Nelson, Wythe and Quinn Anderson.

Memorial Services will be at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 in the Social Hall at Rockwood Manor, 2903 East 25th Ave. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N. Monroe St.