Aletha B. Nelson

Aletha B. Nelson, 104 of Maskell, passed away Monday, September 12, 2022 at Heritage of Emerson Care Center in Emerson, Nebraska.  Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Faith Lutheran Church in Maskell, Nebraska.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Silver Ridge Cemetery in rural Ponca, Nebraska.  

Aletha was born the daughter of Charles W. and Alvina K. (Wendte) Murfin on June 14, 1918 in rural Newcastle, Nebraska.  She graduated from Newcastle High School in 1936.  She married Wilford “Bud” Strohm on November 3, 1938.  The couple lived and farmed near Martinsburg, Nebraska until his death on December 31, 1941.  They had two daughters, Janice and Patricia.  Aletha had a farm sale and moved back to live with her parents until Janice started school.  She then moved to Newcastle where she worked various jobs.  She married Darrell Nelson on September 22, 1948.  They lived and farmed west of Newcastle until Darrell died on February 22, 1988.  She moved to Maskell and later to Newcastle. 

Aletha enjoyed traveling, reading, and flying with her grandson on her birthday.

She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Maskell where she was organist for over 25 years and also the United Church of Christ in Newcastle for 5 years. 

Aletha is survived by her daughter, Janice (Lowell) Newton of Emerson, Nebraska; grandchildren, Brian (Michell) Newton, William “Bill” (Cheryl) Newton, Annette (Kenny) Williams, Wayne (Sandy) Newton, and Kiela (Brian) Hudgins; 13 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; daughter, Patricia Lund; sister, Norah Bolton; and brothers, Norman and Dale Murfin.