Feb. 28, 1932 - Dec. 29, 2018 Gloria V. Nelson died peacefully with her children by her side and holding her hands on December 29, 2018 in Sparks, NV at the age of 86. Gloria was born on February 28, 1932 in Everett, WA and grew up within a very large family near Lake Stevens, WA. She attended Lake Stevens High School and then worked as a telephone operator after graduation. She married Donald Nelson in 1953 and they initially lived in married student housing in Union Bay Village at the University of Washington where Donald was a student. After Donald graduated, they moved several times and Gloria's places of residence included Minneapolis, MN in 1955; Riverside, CA from 1955-1961; Palo Alto, CA in 1961; Cupertino, CA from 1961-2003; Bakersfield, CA from 2003-2014; Reno, NV from 2014-2018; and finally Sparks, NV in 2018. Gloria was a full-time homemaker and raised four children. She was a founding member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church (ELCA) formerly located on Stelling Road in Cupertino. Her volunteer activities also included the Republican Party and the Santa Clara Swim Club where all of her children participated. She enjoyed the outdoors including many family day trips to nearby beaches and mountains; annual family vacations to Squaw Valley, CA; swimming in her pool; and in later years, day trips with her husband to hike in nearby parks or sample sea food along the coast. Gloria is survived by daughter, Linda (Nelson) Steele of Reno, NV; and sons, Donald (Katie) Nelson, Jr. of Bakersfield, CA and Richard Nelson of Reno, NV; sister, Alyda "Lyda" (Jelvik) Schmaltz of Battle Ground, WA; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by husband, Donald Nelson, Sr.; daughter, Janet Nelson; father, Jakob "Jack" Jelvik; mother, Martha (Unzelman) Jelvik; brothers, Alvin "Al" Jelvik, Warner Jelvik, Nyals "Jimmy" Jelvik, Robert "Bobbie" Jelvik, Jack "Jackie" Jelvik, Otto Jelvik, George Jelvik, and Jerald Jelvik; and sisters, Pearl (Jelvik) Davis, Buelah "Bootsie" (Jelvik) Carlson, and Juanita "Nita" (Jelvik) Nunley. Private services were held at Walton's Sierra Chapel in Reno, NV. Interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA beside her husband. The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at the Brookdale Vista assisted living facility in Sparks, NV and Kindred Hospice of Reno, NV for bringing comfort to Gloria during her last days. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to any charity of choice.
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5 Entries
Offering our sincere condolences. May the God of love comfort your heart and make you firm in your time of grief. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
January 18, 2019
Happiness is a true
Fondness of Life'
through good choices,
rewarding greatness'
for all to emulate.
Righteous knowledge of
empowering us one by one,
That's Aunt Gloria'
With Love, Scott Marshall Nunley*
((Nephew)
Scott Nunley
January 10, 2019
May your family experience the kindness and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ at this difficult time. 2 Cor. 1:2
Annette
January 7, 2019
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time 1THESSALONIANS 4:13,14.My sincerest condolences for your family and friends.
Gj
January 7, 2019
Condolences to all.Seek comfort in family and close friends,Let God continue to heal your pain.
J F
January 7, 2019
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