Madelene Nelson

Madelene Nelson, 84
Memorial services for Madelene Nelson, age 84, formerly of Lenox, who died Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Mt. Ayr Healthcare in Mount Ayr was held on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at East Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Visitation was one hour prior to services at Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Memorials can be given in Madelene’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we ‘Celebrate Life’.
Madelene Violet (Timperley) Nelson was born in Nebraska on May 4, 1937, the daughter of Edward Eugene Timperley and Selina Celia (Schaumburg) Timperley. Madelene grew up in the Omaha area and graduated from Nodaway High School in Iowa. Madelene met Ronnie at a local dance. Then on June 20, 1956 she was united in marriage to Ronald Dean Nelson in Lenox, Iowa. To this loving union two children were born, Selina and Gerald.
Madelene was a nurse’s aide then went into housekeeping at the local nursing homes. She also helped Ronnie on the farm for many years. After retirement she enjoyed all her cross country adventures hauling the Amish community. You always knew where you stood with Madelene. She took great pride in her gardening and canning abilities. Her family was her true passion and she loved being involved in their lives. Madelene always looked forward to eating and family get-togethers. She had a special dog named “Peaches” who was a regular visitor to the hospitals and nursing home. In later years she adopted her dog “Buck”. Madelene was a member of the Borderline Motorcycle Club and International Retreads, serving as Area 4 Zone Leader.
Left to cherish Madelene’s memory are her two children, Selina O’Connor of Blockton; and Gerald (Vickie) Nelson of Brooks; seven grandchildren, Poe O’Connor, Billy Jack O’Connor; James Bub (Lizza) O’Connor, Leena (Bill) Hightshoe, Sammi Jo (Dennis) Elliott, Rachel (Zach) Gray and Leeman (Sara) Nelson; Fifteen great-grandchildren, Jessica McClarnon, Brenda (Kole)Thompson, Jimmie O’Connor, William O’Connor, Paytan Hiatt, Brysen (Halee) Hightshoe, Brenden Hightshoe, Brett Hightshoe, Braxton Hightshoe, Bridgette Hightshoe, Maci Elliott, Cameron Elliott, Corbin Gray, Brylee Gray, Landon Nelson; two great-great granddaughters, Evelyn Thompson and Korra Hightshoe; one brother Joe (Cecelia) Timperley of Omaha, Nebraska; and one sister-in-law Betty Yount of Monticello, IA; along with many other family members and friends.
Preceding Madelene in death is her husband, Ronald Nelson; her parents, Edward and Selina Timperley; her son-in-law, Jim O’Connor; three brothers, Lee Timperley, Harold Timperley, Paul Timperley; one sister, Kathleen Nitsch; and one great-grandson, Ethan O’Connor who died at infancy.
Madelene will be missed by her entire family and many friends.