Betty Jane (Howard) Nelson

Betty Jane (Howard) Nelson loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother died unexpectedly after a brief illness in Winnemucca, Nev., on Friday,  May 28, 2010.

Betty was born in Fairview, Mont., on April 21, 1928, to parents Ray and Esther (Haugen) Howard. Betty was the oldest of three children, Jack Howard of Dillon, Mont., and Verda Clawson of Deer Lodge, Mont.

Betty served in the Women’s Army Corps Hospital Company, Technician 5th Grade, during World War II and was honorably discharged on Dec. 25, 1945. 

Education included, Fairview, Fort Peck and Beaverhead County High School in Dillon, Mont. She later graduated from Western Montana College in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Betty’s first teaching position was in Twin Bridges, Mont., in 1964, she later moved to Lander, Wyo., and taught at Mill Creek School in Ethete, Wyo., teaching third and fourth grade until her retirement in 1982. Betty received numerous. teaching awards through out her teaching career.

Betty loved the Native American people of Mill Creek School and the surrounding area. She had great respect for their culture, heritage and admiration for all of the many children she had taught over the years.

Betty was a talented quilt maker. She had made many quilts over the years for grand children, friends, and family. She was especially interested in many of the older family quilts that she had restored. Her talent was extraordinary.

Betty was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for many years and enjoyed the activities and many friends she had made.  She was active in Lander and Winnemucca.

The Winnemucca Senior Center was also a place she enjoyed having lunch and visiting.  Betty volunteered at the Humboldt General Hospital Auxiliary in Winnemucca as well as the Lander Valley Regional Medical Center in Lander.

Betty was preceded in death by her son, Michael Stanley Scofield;  her parents, Ray and Esther Howard of Dillon; and her husband Rex B Nelson of Lander.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Chris Finlayson; a son in-law, Dana Finlayson of Winnemucca; Charlotte Scofield, Kate Scofield, George and Laurie Scofield of Dillon; Tim and Azalee Scofield of Hope, Idaho; Ben Scofield of Nine Mile Falls, Wash., Hailey Moore of White Fish, Mont., and Charlotte Scofield of Mount Vernon, Wash., Jack and Arleta Howard of Dillon, and Verda Clawson of Deer Lodge, Mont..

Betty is survived by 24 grandchildren and numerous great-grand children.

A committal will take place in Lander, Wyo., with Betty’s ashes being placed next to her husband of 27 years Rex B. Nelson on August 24th, 2010.

We will dearly miss our loving mother especially her determination and strength.

Donations can be made to the Winnemucca Senior Center or the charity of your choice.