Obituary of Jerry Lee Nelson

Jerry Lee Nelson (72) passed away at Valley Vista Care Center in St. Maries, ID on June 30, 2015. She was born to C. Eugene and Solveig (Sorenson) Gragg on December 17, 1942 in Renton, WA. Jerry Lee grew up in St. Maries graduating from SMHS as the Salutatorian of the class of 1961. She attended the University of Idaho and studied theatre for two years. Jerry Lee’s beauty, talent, poise and intelligence earned her the title of Miss Benewah County in 1962. She also worked as a lifeguard at the city pool where she taught numerous area children how to swim and dive. In 1963, Jerry Lee married Larry Nelson in Boise, ID. They made their home in St. Maries. Before starting her family, Jerry Lee worked for First Security Bank. Their son, David, was born the day the St. Maries bowling alley burned down on August 31, 1969. Nancy arrived in June 1974. Throughout her marriage, she worked with her husband in the family business as a bookkeeper and Larry’s “manager.” Jerry Lee and Larry divorced in 1984 but remained close friends and caring parents to their children and loving grandparents to Reid. A majority of Jerry Lee’s career was spent in banking. In 1984 she started her 25 year career as a teller with Idaho First National Bank which eventually became US Bank. She retired in 2009. Jerry Lee kept busy by volunteering her time on the library board and the St. Maries Centennial Committee. She also worked part time at St. Joe Valley Credit Union until she retired a second time in 2014. Jerry Lee enjoyed chatting with anyone she encountered. She always had a ready smile and was never at a loss for words. Jerry Lee also had a love for horses. At the age of 10, her dream of owning her own horse was realized when she negotiated a contract with her father to buy her a horse. Her favorite memories were on a horse, whether competing in St. Maries Saddle Club events, riding trails with her best friends or herding cattle on the ranch Larry’s uncle owned in Montana. In later years, Jerry Lee enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling and spending time with her friends. She had a kind heart and served everyone around her with a warm smile and eagerness to help. She is survived by her son David Nelson of St. Maries, daughter Nancy Nelson Shepherd of Hayden, and grandson Reid Bartholdt of Hayden. She was preceded in death by her mother and father. A memorial service is planned for Friday, July 10, 2015 11:00 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in St. Maries. A gathering of family and friends to share a meal will follow at the church. Please visit her online memorial at www.hodgefuneralhome.com