Gloria Jean Nelson

Gloria Jean (Pate) Nelson, 80, passed away at Niobrara Community Hospital on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Gloria was born on July 8, 1940, to Oliver (Tod) and Elouise Pate in McCook, Nebraska. In 1947, Gloria moved with her parents and two sisters to Niobrara County in Wyoming.

She attended rural elementary schools in northern Niobrara County and graduated from Niobrara County High School in 1958. Gloria married the love of her life, Andy Nelson, on Oct. 4, 1958. She and Andy were married for 57 years at the time of his passing in October 2015.

Andy and Gloria built a life together ranching in Niobrara County, purchasing their Manville Ranch in 1961. Their pride and joy were their two sons, Tod Allen Nelson and Rod Andrew Nelson. This circle of love grew to include two daughters-in-laws, six grandkids, and 16 great grandkids.

Gloria was an accomplished seamstress, teaching many young people to sew, including her granddaughters and great granddaughters as well as numerous 4-H members. Gloria shared her gift of sewing with many, including making a baby quilt for each of her great-grandchildren, making numerous table runners for the Niobrara Senior Center, and keeping the family cowboys in patches.

She received much joy from her garden and her availability to share her bounty with her family and friends. Gloria often reminisced of the many years of teaching Sunday School with her special friend Carolyn Hammond. She was a member of Manville Community Church, Mile High Homemakers Club and Tanglefoot Square Dance Club.

Surviving Gloria are her sons, Tod (Marilyn) of Lance Creek and Rod (Roxie) of Lusk; grandkids, Ryan Nelson of Lusk, Jeremy (Kelsey) Nelson of Manville, Amanda (Joseph) Martinez of Casper, Dustin (Kelley) Nelson of Buffalo, Amy (Joe) Johnston of Saratoga, and Erin (TJ) Hodge of Manville; great-grandkids, Hattie Nelson, Kaydence and Jarrett Nelson, Mila, Avery, Oliver and Eleanor Martinez, Teigyn, Christian and Parker Nelson, Hunter and Trayton Johnston, and Braxton, Blakely, Brekyn and Berkley Hodge; two sisters, Carolyn (Irv) Skillings and Judy (Bob) Ruffing all of Casper, sister-in-law, Algera Jensen (Dennis Johnson) of Manville, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Andy, parents, Tod and Elouise Pate, father-in-law, Elmer Nelson, mother-in-law, Billie Nelson, and nephew, Brian Ruffing.

Memorials to Niobrara County Fairground Improvement Fund or the Niobrara Senior Center would be appreciated by the family.

A celebration of life for Gloria Nelson will be held July 14, 2021, at 2 p.m. at the Niobrara County Fairground Outdoor Pavilion. Please stop by and share a memory or two.

Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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