Dola Nelson (1930-2019)

Dola Nelson died Nov. 8, 2019, at the age of 89 at Iris Memory Care Facility in Edmond, Okla. She was born Feb. 4, 1930, the third of six children, in Sedan, Kan. to Ruth and Louis Bruner.

Dola was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings and her husband. 

Survivors include: one brother, Donald Bruner of Enid, Okla.; a daughter, Pamila Barnes of Yukon Okla.; a son, Dennis Nelson of Whitewater, Kan.; and a son, Wade Nelson of Arkansas City, Kan. Dola leaves behind four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Dola married (coach) William R. Nelson, Jr. May 29, 1947. They moved to Lecompton, Kan. after college in August, 1949 where Bill began teaching high school and coaching. Their three children were born between 1950 and 1957. They moved to Bushton, Kan. in 1967. Bill taught and coached at Bushton/Quivira Heights and retired in 1988.

Dola believed in helping family and friends whenever she could. She was a woman of Christian faith and common sense. She taught Sunday School at both the Lecompton and Bushton United Methodist Churches. Dola was active in PTA, and she served as president of the Lecompton PTA. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother at Lecompton. Dola worked as a teacher’s aide in Bushton High school. She served as a “Gray Gal” at the Lyons Hospital visiting patients. Dola delivered food with the Meals on Wheels Program.

In September, 2014, she moved from Bushton to St. Ann’s Assisted Living Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. In May, 2018 additional care was necessary. So she was moved to the Iris Memory Facility.

The memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. March 21 at the Bushton United Methodist Church, 213 South 3rd, Bushton, Kan. 

Memorials may go to the Bushton United Methodist Church or the Bill Nelson Scholarship Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home.