Obituary of Barbara Nelson

Barbara J. Nelson, 70, of Bella Vista, AR passed away Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on Oct. 28, 1943 in Lindsborg, KS to Eugene D. and Ruth V. (Nelson) Erickson. Barbara graduated from Lindsborg High School in 1961 and from Bethany College in Lindsborg in 1965 where she majored in elementary education. She married Fred Nelson in June of 1965 in Lindsborg, KS. She taught in public and parochial schools in NY, PA, MO, AR, KS, and NE. She earned an M.ED with a Reading Specialist Certificate from the University of AR in Fayetteville in 1984. She taught reading and writing skills to inmates in the Lincoln Correctional System and in the Nebraska Men's Penitentiary in Lincoln, NE. Later she taught international students at NWACC. She retired from teaching in 2009. During her life, Barbara enjoyed playing the violin with various church and civic groups. She taught Sunday School, sang in church choirs, and participated in church activities wherever she lived. She loved children of all ages and animals of all types. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville. Survivors include her husband of 48 years Fred Nelson of the home; two daughters, Kristin Armstrong and her husband Spencer of Fayetteville, and Erika Aggus and her husband Bret of Fayetteville; four grandsons, Jack and Bruce Armstrong, and Henry and Nelson Aggus, all of Fayetteville, her brother Bruce Erickson and his wife Mary of Rio Hondo, TX and one cat name "Sunny" of the home. A memorial service will be Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Clint Schnekloth presiding. A graveside committal service will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Lindsborg, KS at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 14 with Pastor Loren Mai presiding. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2925 Old Missouri Rd, Fayetteville 72703. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com