Delores Ann "Dee" Sarah came into this world on May 26, 1937, in Erick, Oklahoma, to her parents, Virgil Thomas and Cora Eunice Ellis. On Sunday, September 20, 2026, she was called home by her Lord, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, hard work, laughter, and family.
Dee married June Wayne "Rocky" Nelson and together they were blessed with one beautiful daughter, Ruth Ann, and three sons, Cletus, Gary, and Lonnie. Later in life, Dee was blessed to find another love in William "Bill" Sarah, Jr., with whom she shared many more cherished years.
Dee attended high school in Ocina, Oklahoma, where she graduated. According to her son Gary, she was an all-state basketball star. He lovingly described her as the "Caitlin Clark of the 1940's." Dee was always strong, determined, and never afraid of hard work. As the daughter of a farmer, hard work was simply a part of who she was. Throughout her life, Dee worked hard and took pride in everything she did.
She worked at Smith's Family Farms, spent 24 years at Maywood of Amarillo, 13 years at Walmart of Amarillo as a door greeter, and five years at Sam's of Amarillo. Wherever she worked, she made an impression on the people around her.
Dee was not necessarily an avid football fan, but she loved cheering on her Dallas Cowboys. Anyone who knew Dee also knew she was an outdoors woman at heart. She loved fishing and enjoyed getting out and about, including driving her RV to campgrounds and enjoying the adventure along the way. She never took herself too seriously and was always able to laugh at herself. Although she was independent and capable, she also knew there was nothing wrong with accepting a little help when she needed it.
Dee also had a true green thumb. She loved gardening and could sit for hours admiring her beautiful roses and petunias. She loved garage sales ad was well known for her love of "garage sale entrepreneurship," turning her love of finding treasures into something that brought her joy. She loved collecting angels and was known for having them all around her home.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, three sisters, and her two loving husbands.
She is survived by her children: Ruth Ann Nelson Becker (Dieter), Cletus Wayne Nelson (Teresa), Gary Lynn Nelson (Janette), and Lonnie Max Nelson (Sallie). She also leaves behind her 6 grandsons: James David, Joseph Willie, Richard, Dallas, Robert, and DavidLee, a granddaughter Jacque, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Dee was a wonderful mother who loved her children very much. She loved her grandchildren just as deeply and cared deeply for everyone who crossed her path. Those who walked through her door could feel the warmth she had for others. Her family and friends will remember her for her strength, her independence, her sense of humor, her love of the outdoors, her beautiful gardens, and, most of all, the love she freely gave to those around her.
Her family will miss her very much until the day they meet again.
Rest peacefully, Dee. Your work here is done. Your garden is waiting, and your family will carry your love with them always.
Visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 East Interstate 40 in Amarillo on September 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A Celebration of Life is scheduled immediately following at 2:00 PM. Committal service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. A Simple Gathering will follow at Memorial Park Funeral Home from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
