Nancy L. Nelson

Nancy Lee Nelson, 83, of O'Neill, formerly of Bristow and Spencer, died Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Center in Atkinson.

Visitation was held Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with prayer and Eastern Star services.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 16, 2025 at the O'Neill Methodist Church in O'Neill. Pastor Robert Wynn officiated.

Burial was in the Paddock Union Cemetery north of O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Nancy was born Feb. 11, 1942 to Harrison and Marguerite (Dickey) Row in Norfolk. Her family made their home in Bristow for a time before they moved to Spencer where she attended school for all 12 years graduating with the class of 1959. During her high school days, Nancy was a cheerleader and a majorette. Nancy and her friends often found ways to skip school under the guise of working on “school projects.” 

After high school she attended Business College in Lincoln and worked for Bell Telephone Company.

Nancy married her high school sweetheart Paul Nelson on July 14, 1962 shortly after he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. To this union four children were born Brad Lee, Jay Scott, Beth Ann and Sara Sue. The couple began their life together in Lincoln, where they were blessed with their two sons Brad and Scott. After moving to Ogallala, they were blessed with their daughter Beth. Paul's career took them to Virginia in 1970.  While in Virginia, Nancy claimed she “swallowed a watermelon seed” and their family was completed with the birth of their daughter Sara. Then in 1978, the family returned to the Nelson family farm north of O'Neill, after Paul's father died unexpectedly.

During the Farm Crisis of the early 1980's, Nancy began working in town to help support her family. She first worked as a home caregiver for Region IV Services, later as secretary for the Methodist Church and finally as a teacher for Head Start. She retired in the early 2000's however she continued to maintain the family home with Paul. In 2012 they built their dream home overlooking the Redbird Creek.

When Beth was young, Nancy was a troop leader for her Brownie troop in Virginia. Nancy was an active member of the O'Neill Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was a member of the UMW. She joined Sara in the church Clown Club as Strawberry the Clown, visiting nursing homes and participating in parades and other activities around O'Neill. She first joined the Order of the Eastern Star Myrtle Chapter No. 94 in 1964 while in Lincoln. She maintained her membership for over 60 years at various chapters. During this time she held every position open to her in the local chapters. She also served as a Grand Page to the Worthy Grand Patron and a Grand Representative to Virginia.

She was a rabid fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, New York Yankees and Washington Redskins.  However DO NOT mention the Oklahoma Sooners, Boston Red Sox or Dallas Cowboys in her presence. 

From high school cheerleading to cheering on her grandchildren, she never missed an opportunity to encourage everyone around her. She enjoyed baking, especially her famous molasses cookies and “crack” brownies. She loved spending time taking care of her pets and tending to her flowers. Anyone need an African Violet? She spent many hours advocating for and being a guardian to children and adults with disabilities.

Nancy is survived by her four children Brad Nelson of Micco, FL, Scott (Tracey) Nelson of Palm Bay, FL, Beth (Tim) Lenz of Sheridan, WY, and Sara (Doug) Crumrine of O'Neill; 12 grandchildren Rosie Nelson, Brittney Nelson, Bailey (Jordan) Isaak, Ryan Nelson, Jeremy Grimes, Jacob Grimes, Isaac Grimes, Sam Lenz, Adam (Whitney) Lenz, Mason Crumrine, Jessica (Ben) Rezac and Austin (Shelby) Crumrine; and three great-grandchildren,Tate Crumrine, Paxton Lenz and Atticus Mulready.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul Nelson in 2023 and infant sister Shirley Row.