Mary Ann Nelson

July 16, 1935 to April 1, 2024

Mom was born in Yakima on July 16, 1935 to John and Rose Bakker, their second and last daughter. Mom loved the Yakima Valley with its four changing seasons, two beautiful mountains in the distance, nearby forests so green and the down home people in her Yakima Valley. She was raised on a small farm in Ahtanum and was very much a tomboy who loved animals more than people and dirt under her fingernails. At the age of three she had a little goat that would follow her everywhere. At four she was a rabbit farmer and learned that rabbits bite. The next year she had a pet pig that she loved to play in the pig pen with At eight she took up riding cows in the pasture, raising and training Magpies, and nurturing every animal she came upon. When mom got her first horse at age fourteen she was in love for the first time. Horses were the best!

At age sixteen, horses took a very, very, very, photo finish close second to her first and favorite nephew, Rod Matson, who was born to her sister, Joan Matson. Her Roddy. She loved him as her own and had a very special bond with him that will always remain. Her love of horses did continue and at seventeen she was thrown from her horse, which left her with a concussion and a week's stay at the hospital. The next year at the fair, a horse kicked her in the face and broke her jaw. The next year was a horse related broken ankle. Mom loved all horses. All this did not stop her from trick riding, being "behind the gates," at any rodeo and nudging her horse in just the right spot to get him to give a little kick when she saw any interesting cowboys. Loved horses.

At a wild party one Saturday night she met her husband to be, Herb. They married on May 2, 1958, with her Roddy as ring bearer. Minutes after they settled into their first home, they got their first dog, Sam. Two daughters, Debra and Durene followed Sam. Mom also got two more nephews, Daryl and Bradley Matson. And a new friend for Sam, Hobo.

When her children started school, she got a job she said was, "the easiest and most fun thing I've ever done." At thirty one years old, she joined Matson Fruit Company in Selah as their new lift truck driver. She loved it and soon became the best lift truck driver they have ever had. Mom loved harvest and would prepare all summer for those 100 hour work weeks. One of my fondest memories of Mom growing up was she always smelled like apples. She unwillingly retired after thirty plus years due to wanting to have more fun, to slow down and smell ALL the roses and to travel in the motorhome with Dad and their dog, Toby.

Mom's home life was simple. She loved just being home with family or friends. Mom always had a garden and plenty of different animal friends nearby. Most holidays and birthdays were celebrated with her sister's family and her own. The only exception was harvest time. The two families just combined all the birthdays and special occasions to just one gathering, because they all were engaged in bringing in the fruit.

My mom was as strong as they come. There was nothing she could not do, especially if you told her she couldn't do it. She never let being a female stop her from doing anything that was not appropriate for a woman to do in those times. She raised her girls to have the same pioneer spirit she had. Be independent, honest, not to take life to seriously and to always be kind to all creatures. She taught us never let being a female stop you from doing anything you wish for. She supported the family to flourish and to follow our dreams. Mom had an extremely good sense of humor and she was loved by all who knew her. I really never heard anyone say a bad word against her.

Have I mentioned how much mom loved the Seattle Mariners? She listened or watched every game, season after season after season after season. We learned to not bother or call her during the game because it was too exciting and she did not want to miss anything. Go Mariners.

Mom passed away privately at home as she wished. We thank MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital Hospice for all the help, attention and love they showered on her the last week. With their help and guidance she was allowed the right to die comfortably, safely and very peacefully in her own home, covered with the quilts her daughter, Debra, had made for her and her dog, Petey, laying in her lap. Thank you God for hospice.

Mom wanted no funeral or memorial or dinner or anything. She did vow to come back and haunt anyone who tries to make a fuss. I believe her so be aware. She will be cared for by Keith and Keith of Yakima. Mom will then be laid to rest on the hill above swan pond at the Terrace Heights Memorial Cemetery, snuggled in between her husband and her daughter, Debra. A stone's throw away rests both her parents. Simple and peaceful. If you want to send flowers, please plant them in any garden instead. She will see and appreciate them more from above.

Mom leaves behind her daughter, Durene Nelson, and her current dog, Petey, both of Yakima. Also, nephews Rod (Carmen) Matson of Selah and Bradley (Melissa Tayler) Matson of Portland. She had many special friends which includes Steven Stecker of Monroe, Brian Longmire of Selah, Jon Harlan of Naches and Sally Johnson of Yakima.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rose Bakker, her one and only husband, Herb, brother in law Dick Matson, nephew Daryl Matson, sister Joan Matson, and her oldest daughter Debra. She also precedes so, so many loving animal friends, way to many to list.

Rest in peace mom, we love you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com