Esther Nelms

Mary Esther Nelms, 97, of Gothenburg, Nebraska died September 24, 2025 at Linden Court in North Platte, NE.
She was born June 12, 1928 in Meeker, CO, daughter of Alex Mitchell and Anna Lee (Perry) Joseph. She had an older brother and two older sisters. Esther was raised by a single father who had migrated here from Lithuania. Life was not easy during those early years. She graduated from Meeker High School and attended Mesa College in Grand Junction, CO. Esther met Clarence Nelms at Mesa College. They were married on September 8, 1946 at Grand Junction, Co. Clarence and Esther moved to Fort Collins where he attended and graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in veterinary medicine.
Clarence and Esther then moved to Gothenburg. They were blessed with 5 children. They operated the Animal Hospital for 27 years, farmed and ranched and raised livestock. Esther worked full time as a partner in the Animal Hospital and the farm and ranch operation.
They took great pride in their family and were steadfast, hardworking people that believed in treating everyone with kindness, consideration and diplomacy. They gave much to the community and in turn were treated well by the people in this community and the surrounding area. Esther was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church. She was active with her children in the cub scouts, girl scouts, and 4-H. She enjoyed extension club, bridge club, square dance club and women's Angus association.
She is survived by sons: Kenneth A. (Linda) Nelms of North Platte, NE; Larry E. (Georgia) Nelms of North Platte, NE; James L. Nelms of Gothenburg, NE; daughter, Celeste L. Nelms (Mike Hilderbrand) of Gothenburg, NE; many Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren who will miss her dearly.
Esther was preceded in death by husband, Clarence A. Nelms, son, Gregory D. Nelms, brother, Kenneth, sisters Ruth and Edith and parents Alex, Anna Lee, and Step Mom Susie.
Graveside services will be held, 11:00 AM, Monday, September 29, 2025 at the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, NE.
Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 1401 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE or the Gothenburg Senior Center, 410 20th St., Gothenburg, NE.