Karen Nelson

 Karen Nelson was born May 7th 1950 to Roy Jack Nelson and Mary Ellen Nelson in Ontario Oregon. Mom went back to our heavenly Father on August 7th 2023 surrounded by her daughter Kristin Robinette, husband Levi Robinette, and grandson Christopher Jameson Reeves Nelson.

Karen grew up on a farm in Ontario Oregon with their parents and siblings Kent Nelson and Luann Nelson Aldred and later to come into the family adoptive siblings Alfred Wilson, and adoptive sister Kale Nelson, Kamisese. Mom and her siblings were not shy to hard work on the farm she enjoyed helping her father Jack in the fields and at the barn, working with the cattle and her mom with housework chores laundry and meals. Mom spent countless times telling us memories she had out on the farm with her family growing up. Countless holidays shared with the family, The Way she Loved the smell of the fields after being freshly cut. Memories of her dad Jack going up to the barn and retrieving watermelon from under hey as a sweet summer treat to a Thanksgiving she'll never forget when they were all about ready to sit down around the dinner table and they received a phone call about a family in the ward who didn't have Thanksgiving dinner and her parents Jack and Mary Ellen shared their Thanksgiving dinner with that family that year.

Karen attended Cairo elementary, Ontario Middle School, and graduated from Ontario high School. She further her education by attending tvcc in Ontario Oregon for nursing. Mom wanted to continue her nursing education and branched out to BYU in Utah and graduated with their bachelors of Science degree. Mom followed in the footsteps of her mother and always knew that she wanted to be a nurse. Mom served a health   mission for the LDS Church in nuku alofa Tonga which she had the honor to serve side by side by her adoptive sister Kale, not only did she serve a healthy mission but she was also able to teach the words of our heavenly father always continuing to serve others physically and spiritually.

Mom always dreamed of wanting a family, a couple years later from returning from her mission her dream became a reality when she received a phone call asking if she wanted to adopt a little girl. After traveling back to Tonga living there for a few months and all the paperwork and bonding with a little girl who then became her daughter the adoption became finalized and she was able to return home with her daughter Thanksgiving Day of 1982. She took to motherhood as a natural by her unconditional love for her daughter. Mom's whole life was surrounded by my well-being and constantly trying to teach me right from wrong showing unconditional love to not only me but those around her. Our little family was complete.

Mom's willingness to continue to serve and teach moved us from Ontario Oregon all the way to Boise Idaho where she taught nursing at Boise State University for numerous years. After many years of teaching nursing she retired from Boise State University and branched out into hospice or she felt her true calling was. She served within the hospice community for another 15 years before retiring due to a work entry but that never stopped mom and her loving compassionate way to serve and give back to others.

Mom you are deeply missed and I can't wait for that reunion when we see each other again but I know being with you and those last moments there was such love and peace as you were taking your last breath and family from the other side of the veil we're there to welcome you with loving open arms. What a beautiful beautiful reunion that was and it was an honor to be a part of that.

Mom had the honor of being in the room when her grandson Christopher Jameson Reeves Nelson was born proudest moment of my mom's life she had the honor of cutting Christopher's umbilical cord she also was the first one to hold him. So grateful that I had a mom like I did who stepped in to be a mom to my son when I could not. She became his second mom and I couldn't have asked for a better example or role model for my son than her. She had her physical limitations as she continued to grow older. We thought we almost would lose her 4 years ago when she contracted a rare form of nicerian meningitis which kept her out of our home for almost a year. through her determination her faith in Christ she was able to return to us home for the last 4 years which we were honored to be her 24-hour care until she passed on August 7th 2023.

Karen is survived by her daughter Kristin Taiana Robinette, son-in-law Levi Robinette, grandson Christopher Jameson Reeves Nelson, granddaughter Savanna. Brother Kent Nelson of Ontario his children Kelby Nelson, Kindra Nelson, Keila Mass, Keston Ferris, Kents wife Yvonne Nelson. Navajo brother Alfred Wilson, sister Luann Aldred, and her children Matt Aldred, Mary rice, Lori Short, Nick Aldred. Numerous nieces and nephews and extended family on the island of Tonga with the Kamisese family.

She is preceded in death by her parents Roy Jack Nelson, mother Mary Ellen Reeves Nelson, sister in law Dana Nelson,  brother-in-law Mike Aldred, sister Kale Nelson Kamisese as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Services will be planned at the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints in Payette Idaho, mom was a very private person for those of you who knew her and the day and time will be extended to those the family wish to include.

The family of Karen Nelson would like to thank those who have reached out to us and continue to give us their prayers, care, and concerns. Also to her primary care doctor Dr Ryan David of Fruitland Idaho who showed continuous and constant care for mom's health since moving to the area we couldn't have asked for a better doctor for Mom. We would also like to say thank you to horizon home health especially her nurse Carrie who I couldn't have asked for a better hospice nurse for Mom's care.

Until we meet again mom, we love you and we miss you!

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