Patricia Nelson

Patricia Nelson, 62, of Idaho Falls, passed away June 4, 2014, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Patricia was born June 12, 1951, in Downers Grove, Illinois, to Ralph Estes Rice and Hallie Decker Martin Rice. She grew up and attended schools in Idaho Falls, where she graduated from Skyline High School. She attended colleges in Tucson, Arizona, and Idaho, before earning her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Alaska. She met her future husband, Todd Nelson, while attending college in Tucson. In 1972, she and Todd were married at the Chapel of Transfiguration in Grand Teton National Park. They honeymooned in Central America before eventually moving to Kenai, Alaska. To this union was born one son, Daniel Todd Nelson. She and Todd divorced after 10 years of marriage. Patricia worked as a Microbiologist for British Petroleum in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, for many years. After an early retirement from British Petroleum, she pursued varied interests, becoming a certified Massage Therapist and studying holistic healing techniques in many forms. She was generous and spiritual; seeking to help, heal, and bring happiness to all those she cared for. After returning to live in Idaho Falls, she worked at Freemed, a non-profit that assists persons in need to obtain medication and medical benefits. See www.freemedrx.com for more information. She was a great lover of the outdoors and natural world. Her favorite places on earth were the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. She took great pleasure in watching the birds, wildlife, flora and fauna of the west. At home she tended her garden and fed birds and squirrels in her neighborhood. Patricia is survived by her son, Daniel, and Daughter in Law, Ana Maria Nelson, who live in Denver, Colorado. She has three grandchildren whom she loved dearly; Gabriel Todd Nelson, Nicholas Todd Nelson, and Aubrey Estes Nelson. As well as, her sister, Karen Rice of Idaho Falls, Brother in Law, Jeff Gardetto, and Niece, Jamie Aslett. She also leaves behind many cousins, extended family members, and close fiends who loved her very much. She was preceded in death by her parents. Services will be held Friday, June 20, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. on the Greenbelt in Idaho Falls in the area by B and C Streets adjacent to the roundabout on Memorial Drive. Reverend Lyn Stangland Cameron will officiate. The family will host a reception for friends and associates on the deck of the Sandpiper Restaurant in Idaho Falls from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Patricia’s ashes will be spread in the Grand Teton Mountains by her family, in accordance with her wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Bonneville Humane Society at www.bonnevillehumane.org/donate or 208-529-9725. Condolences may be sent to 731 Linden Place, Idaho Falls, ID 83401.

Memorial Gathering will be held

3:00 p.m. ,Friday, June 20, 2014 Memorial Drive between B and C Streets 455 Memorial Drive Idaho Falls, ID, Bonneville 83402 Notes: Friday, June 20, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. on the Greenbelt in Idaho Falls in the area by B and C Streets adjacent to the roundabout on Memorial Drive. The family will host a reception for friends and associates on the deck of the Sandpiper Restaurant in Idaho Falls from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.