Mary Lou Nelson

MARY LOU (KINGHORN) NELSON was born on November 8, 1930 to Arthur Thomas and Mary Ferrin (Ballantyne) Kinghorn in Bybee, Idaho. Mary Lou grew up in the area and attended Rigby High School in Rigby, Idaho, graduating from there in 1949. Later that year, Mary Lou married Elof Delos “Doss” Nelson Jr. on August 13, 1949 in Rigby. The young couple lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho for a couple of years before Doss was recalled to active duty aboard the USS New Jersey in 1951. Once Doss returned, they moved to a small farm in Archer Idaho next door to Doss’ parents before moving to Belgrade, Montana in 1956. The couple then continued their trek east and moved to Pipestone, Minnesota in 1965. While in Pipestone, Mary Lou took care of the home and her beloved family. Doss passed away on October 14, 2015. Mary Lou continued to live at home. After a brief battle with cancer, Mary Lou died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at the age of 87 years, eight months and 30 days.

Mary Lou was a beloved member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pipestone, serving as the Relief Society president, Primary president, visiting teacher, and various other callings within the church. Mary Lou was also a member of the Eastern Star and was a long time member of the Country Club. As a couple, Mary Lou and Doss had a great love of travelling. The two travelled to Tahiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Hawaii, and Alaska. Mary Lou and Doss also made more frequent trips to Idaho and California so they could spend time with their family.

She is lovingly remembered by her four children, Arlene Arnold of Montgomery, Minnesota, Sheryl (Gary) Lewis of North Logan, Utah, Karen (Paul) Willard of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Larry Nelson of Fayetteville, North Carolina; 27 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and many other loving family and friends. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Doss; her parents, Arthur and Mary; and her siblings, Althea Phippen, Clyde Kinghorn, Ferrin Kinghorn and Dale Kinghorn.