Deloris Nelson

Deloris Jean Nelson, 85, of Martin, passed away peaceably on Monday, July 4, at the Bennett County Nursing Home.
Deloris was born on November 11, 1930, to Robert Keith and Florence McCray in Gordon, Nebraska. Deloris attended school in Merriman until the war began. Her family then moved to California, where her father worked in the defense industry. After graduating from Long Beach Polytechnic High School, she moved back to Nebraska and attended Chadron State College.
Deloris was married to Leonard Galyen on August 22, 1951. Two daughters were born to this union, Debbi and Cindy. On September 10, 1977 she married Howard Miller, who proceeded her in death. She married Don Nelson on January 6, 1992.
Up until the time of her retirement, Deloris worked at the Martin Clinic and Bennett County Community Hospital. She took great pleasure in the many duties that came with her work.
While living on the farm with Don, she greatly enjoyed collecting miniature animals, including donkeys, sheep, goats and even miniature Herefords. Deloris enjoyed many years of traveling, spending a great deal of time in Quartzsite, Arizona, where she made many friends. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, crafts, jewelry and sharing a cup of coffee with friends and family.
Survivors include her husband Don Nelson, Martin; two daughters, Debbi Bennett of Hartford (Jerry) and Cindy Sternhagen of Lead (John); stepsons, Lyndal Nelson of Minneapolis (Sally), Myron Nelson, Martin, grandsons, Ty Bennett of Winner (Haley), Ian Sternhagen of Dell Rapids (Keersten); granddaughter, Jessica Sternhagen of Vermillion (Tyler); great grandchildren, Kaden and Kaitlin Bennett of Winner; uncle, Don Roth of Gordon, Nebraska and several cousins.
Deloris was proceeded into death by her parents, her husband's Leonard Galyen and Howard Miller and many aunts and uncles.
Services were held at the Lindsey Memorial Presbyterian Church in Martin, SD, on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 10 am with Ardeth Kocourek officiating. Burial was at the Merriman Community Cemetery, Merriman, Nebraska.
Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Bennett, John Sternhagen, Ty Bennett, Ian Sternhagen and Kaden Bennett.
A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Bennett County Funeral Service, PO Box 65, Martin, SD 57551.

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