Judi Meredith Nelson

Nelson, Judi Meredith 77, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on April 30th, 2014. She was born Judith Claire Boutin October 13, 1936 of Herbert Boutin and Janice M. Starr in Portland, Oregon. Judi graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Portland. She was happily married to Gary Nelson for 51 years. They lived together in Encino, California until 1998 then resided in both Chicago, Illinois and Palm Beach, Florida until finally settling in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2002. At 15, Judi was a professional ice skater in the Ice Follies until 1951 when she suffered a serious skiing accident which ended her skating career. Soon after, George Burns "discovered" her at the Pasadena Play House and asked her to join the cast of the Burns and Allen Show. Judi went on to co-star and star in numerous television shows and films, many of which were memorable such as: Summer Love, Jack the Giant Killer, Night Walker, Queen of Blood, Gunsmoke, Have Gun will Travel, Wagon Train, Bonanza and Hawaii Five-O to name a few. It was on Hotel de Paree where she met a then, young Assistant Director named Gary Nelson. Not long after, Judi agreed to star on the TV show "Have Gun Will Travel" for free if Gary would be allowed to direct. Once married, her new husband proclaimed that "there would be only one professional in the house" thus slowly supplanting Judi's acting career with his directing career. Judi was an avid photographer and enjoyed yearly trips to a ranch in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming with Gary and their two sons, Garrett and Blue. She also enjoyed a lifelong passion for her rose garden and always supported her husband on film and television locations around the world. When not filming, they spent their time cruising on their yacht throughout the Caribbean. Judi is survived by her husband, Gary; and her two sons, Garrett Nelson of Las Vegas, Nevada and Blue Nelson of Los Angeles, California; and her sister, Randa DeLorge of LaPine, Oregon. Donations may be made in Judi's name to St. Joseph Husband of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Las Vegas, Nevada.