Pauline M. Nelson, 93, passed away Wednesday (June 18, 2008) at her Newton residence.
She was born Jan. 3, 1915, in Half Mound to Edward M. and Laura (Reichart) Hefty.
On May 21, 1940, she married Wilmar H. Nelson in Valley Falls. He preceded her in death on Jan. 9, 1993.
She ministered many years alongside her husband as an active pastor's wife. Pauline was a longtime member of Salem United Methodist Church in Newton, where she was active in the United Methodist Women and the Double Duty Sunday school class.
Pauline graduated from the Stormont Vail School of Nursing in Topeka, where she was a lifetime member of the hospital nursing association. She worked as a registered nurse in northeast Kansas prior to working as the director of nursing for the former Friendly Acres in Newton, where she retired in 1984. She also was a member of the Kansas State Nurses Association.
She enjoyed spending time outside, tending her gardens and flowers. She also enjoyed reading, traveling and music. Pauline looked forward to spending time with her loving family and many friends. She also enjoyed and appreciated the caregivers she had through the years.
Survivors include daughters, Ethel Smith of Valley Center, and Nancy and Jim Davis of Burns; son, the Rev. Roy and Karen Nelson of Herington; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Esther Watts of Newton, Wilma Nelson of Salem, Ore., Mildred Hefty of Valley Falls, and Rosella Hefty of Topeka.
She also was preceded in death by daughters, Jean Clark and Linda Nelson; her parents; and brothers, Richard Hefty, Clarence Hefty, Ralph Hefty and Laurence Hefty.
Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, with the family receiving friends from 3 to 5 p.m.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Salem United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Sherry Clemons of the church officiating.
Burial will be at Restlawn Gardens of Memory in Newton.
Memorial contributions may be made to Salem UMC, Forest Park UMC Conference and Retreat Center or Asbury Park in care of the funeral home.
1915 - 2008 (93 years)