Pearl Nelson

Pearl Hunt Nelson, 84, of Iola, Kansas, died Monday, November 29, 2010, in Palm Springs, California. Pearl was born September 9, 1926, in Walnut Township in Bourbon County, Kansas, the daughter of Bert Walter and Flossie Ellen (Warren) Draper. She grew up in the Mildred area where she graduated from high school. On January 29, 1946, Pearl married Earl J. Hunt in Iola, Kansas, where they made their home. They had three sons before Earl preceded her in death on August 4, 1969. Pearl has worked as a teacher, homemaker, in the cafeteria at Allen County Hospital, for the SEK Library System and as a realtor during her life. On March 3, 1979, Pearl married Oren M. Nelson and they made their home on a farm at Savonburg, Kansas. They later moved to Iola, Kansas, and have resided with their son, Don Hunt, and his partner, Charles Reilly, in California for the past three years. Pearl had been active for more than 25 years in the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She also enjoyed traveling with Oren to several different countries, with a recent tour of the Grand Canyon, dancing and spending time with her grandchildren. SURVIVORS: Her Beloved Husband: Oren Nelson of the home 3 Sons: Bob Hunt & wife, Nita (Thompson) of Marysville, OH, Don Hunt & partner, Charles Reilly of Toluca Lake, CA, and Ken Hunt & wife, Carla (Stanley) of Iola, KS 3 Step-Children: Melvin Nelson & wife, Phyllis of Moran, KS, Ron Nelson & wife, Eileen of Baldwin City, KS, and Eileen James & husband, Jim of Garnett, KS 1 Brother: Lloyd W. "Bill" Draper & wife, Mary Lou of Moran, KS 1 Sister: Ina Lawry of West Des Moines, IA 11 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, George Lawry. VISITATION: 2:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, Kansas FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, Kansas. The Rev. Wanda Lawry Hughes will officiate. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas MEMORIAL CHOICES: Iola Alzheimer's Support Group or Allen County Hospital Capital Campaign Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel, 16 N. Buckeye St., Iola, KS 66749, that is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .