Evelyn Nelson

Evelyn Nelson, 81, died on Feb. 21, 2010, from natural causes at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.  She was born on Dec. 10, 1928 to Francis and Eveline (Johnson) Hosea in Spokane, Wash. Her family moved to Troy in 1935. She had many fond memories of living up Iron Creek and riding the bus to school.

They first lived with her Aunt Nellie and her Uncle Archie Pattie. She graduated from Troy High School in 1946.

On Dec. 14, 1946, she married her high-school sweetheart, Francis (Frankie) Nelson. Together they had three daughters. In 1965, she and her husband built the Trojan Lanes.

She was preceded in death in 1968 by her husband, Frankie, and in 2004 by her grandson, Raleigh Smith, who was killed in Iraq.

“She will be greatly missed by her many friends – far too many to name – and she cherished every friend that she made through her life,” family said.

Mrs. Nelson enjoyed crocheting and baking different kinds of breads, which she gave out to her friends, neighbors and, of course, her favorite UPS driver. She also enjoyed walking 15 to 18 blocks daily, weather permitting.

She is survived by her three daughters, Christine Nelson of Hayden, Idaho; Carol Kern and husband Ron of Troy; and Gail Smith and companion Richard Hansen of Troy; two granddaughters, Amber Romero and husband Jim of Spirit Lake, Idaho; and Misty Omey and husband Sean of Rathdrum, Idaho; two grandsons, Austin Orr and wife Heather of Missoula; Ramsey Smith and wife Traci of Bridge City, Texas; seven great-grandchildren, Kierra, Derek, Logan and Lacey Romero, Jacob Omey and Tyler and Rachel Smith of Bridge City, Texas.

Mrs. Nelson was a strong supporter of the Troy Ambulance Fund. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Troy Ambulance Fund.

Graveside services will be arranged and announced at a later date.