Wilma Jean Nelson

Wilma Jean Nelson, affectionately known to family and friends as "Willie", passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the age of 83.

Willie was born on January 14, 1941 as the only daughter of Harry Leroy Laver and Vena Pearl (Daniels) Laver of Elsmore, Kansas. She was the youngest of four children and adored by her three older brothers. As a child, Willie loved the weekly gatherings of the numerous Laver family members. She was always willing to lend a helping hand at the Annual Laver Reunion just to keep those traditions alive.

On August 6, 1961, Willie married her high school sweetheart Larry Nelson of Elsmore. They were soon blessed with two children, Tammy and Tim, and in 1965 made Chanute, Kansas their home.

Willie lived by many inspirational words. One of her mantras was "Dream Big and Work Hard", and this was represented in all she did. During high school, Willie started working at Humboldt National Bank on Saturdays. After graduating from Elsmore High School with the class of 1959, she embarked on her 41-year career in the banking industry when she joined Humboldt National Bank as a full-time bookkeeper. Aspiring to have a position in management, Willie advanced her education, attending the Basic School of Banking in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin. After spending a few years working at Home Savings Association in Chanute, she returned to Humboldt National Bank where she served as President of the Chanute branch for ten years. Willie also served as the President of National Association of Bank Women (later called Financial Women International of Southeast Kansas). After a successful career and tireless work helping individuals and families meet their financial needs and goals, Willie retired in 2000. Willie's banking career didn't end there, though. Even after retiring, she continued her work in banking, serving as a valued board member for Home Savings Association for several years.

Willie was a cherished member of her community. She was involved in numerous local organizations, including the Chanute Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, where she was awarded the Partner in Progress for her efforts. During her retirement, Willie spent many years volunteering at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, sharing her sweet smile and loving touch. Her contributions in the community were further demonstrated by the countless dinners she and Larry hosted to benefit the American Cancer Society and her enthusiastic involvement in "Christmas Card Lane", which she created with Larry and another couple for the holiday enjoyment of the entire community.

Her generosity and charitable spirit will leave a lasting impact on those who knew Willie and can be summed up in a few inspiring words that she left us with: "Say yes when you can and no only when you have to."

Willie enjoyed entertaining friends and family, traveling on Mediterranean cruises and tending to her flower garden. One of her favorite places was her yard, where she would happily work dawn to dusk to keep it perfectly manicured. Her yard was featured in magazines for its design and beauty. Friends and family sought her advice on what to plant in their yards, and she happily shared her expertise and passion with them. Like her yard, she took great pride in keeping her home in meticulous shape. She never left a dirty dish in the sink overnight or left her bed unmade.

The care Willie took of her garden and home carried over to her personal style. Her grace and elegance were unmatched. After all, she was known to enjoy a shopping trip or two to Chico's clothing store.

There was nothing more precious to Willie than her family. It was very rare for her to miss an activity involving her children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren - football, baseball, cross country, soccer, wrestling, sheep-riding, working cattle, or cow-tipping - even if long-distance travel was required. Some of her most cherished time involved dinners and games with the family during the holidays.

Willie always found a way to bring a smile to the faces of those around her - family and friends alike. Her sense of humor and quick wit was endearing to all and will be missed.

Willie was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Robert, Merle, and Jack.

She is survived by her husband Larry Nelson, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and companionship throughout their 63 years of marriage; her daughter Tammy Goodwin and husband Thomas J. Goodwin of Marble Falls, Texas; her son Tim Nelson and wife Sheryl of Overland Park, Kansas; five grandchildren, Austin Goodwin and wife Melissa, Ashley Rowan and husband Josh, Aaron Goodwin and wife Amanda, all from the Austin, Texas area, and Chance Nelson and Cole Nelson from the Kansas City area; nine great grandchildren, Jackson, Addison, Hudson, Audrey, Jacqueline, Ripken, Avery, Josie, and Griffin; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Wilma Jean's family will greet friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Chanute, and funeral services will be held at the Church at 9:30 A.M. on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Burial will follow in the Elsmore Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Chanute or to https://www.als.org or the ALS Association and left in care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.