Obituary of Ruth Ardelle "Dolly" Nelson

Ruth Ardelle "Dolly" Nelson passed away peacefully at age 96 on October 5, 2023, at Bethany Home in Lindsborg, Kansas with her sons Eddy and Ward by her side. She was born March 29, 1927, on the farm near Mentor, Kansas to her loving parents Edwin Forsberg and Ebba (Ringquist) Forsberg. She was preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Ebba Forsberg, her beloved husband Darald (Mannie) Nelson, her son Brent Nelson, and her brothers Romaine, Gordon, Glenn and Kurtiss Forsberg. She is survived by her sons Edwin (Liz) Nelson of Walpole, Massachusetts, Ward Nelson of Smolan, Kansas, grandchildren Erick Nelson of Portland, Oregon, Mark (Heather) Nelson of Honolulu, Hawaii, Jon (Claudia) Nelson of Lincoln, Rhode Island, Anna Nelson of Denver, Colorado, and Alyssa (Eric) Gaede of Colby, Kansas, great-grandchildren Daniel, Maja and Mali Crawford of Hays, Kansas and many nieces and nephews. The youngest of 5 children with 4 older brothers her dad finally had his “Dolly”, and the name stuck with her for life. She graduated from Assaria High School and worked at the Mentor Store and Elevator owned by her family as WWII raged. On November 21, 1948, she married Darald (Mannie) Nelson of Gypsum, Kansas at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church near Kipp, Kansas on a day the roads had to be opened after a blizzard. She was given away by her mother Ebba as her father Edwin had passed away at age 51 when Dolly was 14. Dolly and Mannie soon bought the Algot Johnson farm ½ mile west of Smolan, Kansas where they farmed for over 60 years and raised their 3 boys Edwin (Eddy), Brent and Ward. Life centered around the farming seasons and especially the Salemsborg Lutheran Church community. You name it and Dolly was active in it – Choir, LCW, Church Refreshment Committee, Swedish Smorgasbord, Bethany Home Auxiliary, Smoky View 4-H Club, Sewing Club, Garden Club and more. Flowers in her “Corner” on the farm gave her unending pleasure and contentment where there was always something beautiful blooming. She never ceased creating treasures useful and meaningful; rugs from her loom, embroidered tea towel sets, needlepoint pillows and applique handmade quilts all sprang from her nimble hands and fingers and still find use in many homes throughout the community. In 2005, her husband Mannie passed away and she continued to live on the farm and help manage it with her son Ward until April 2015 when she chose to move into Bethany Home in Lindsborg. She was a resident for the final 8½ of her life and she endeared herself to the staff who provided her with exceptional and loving care. Dolly could be found contentedly reading a book in her chair surrounded by many cardinals and a wall of photos of her family. Her days were enriched with regular Zoom video calls with family members and weekly letters with memories of the farm. Dolly was a “tough old Swede” and a woman who will be forever loved. Her kindness and selfless giving to all she knew and loved is a legacy we should all aspire to. Funeral arrangements are through Crick- Christian Funeral Home Lindsborg, Kansas. Visitation is on Tuesday October 10 from 5-7pm at the funeral home. The funeral will be 10am, Wednesday, October 11 at Salemsborg Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Salemsborg Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials gifts can be made to Salemsborg Lutheran Church and Bethany Home. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.