Jessie Jean Karlson

BURLEY – Jessie Jean “Granny” Karlson, 88, of Burley, Idaho, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, May 10, 2013.

Jean was born May 19, 1924, in McCammon, Idaho, to Melvin and Thelma Clara (Hall) Biggs. The family later moved to Burley. She was the oldest of three children with her sister, Lillis Lorraine, and her brother, Lyle. Jean married Robert “Bob” Wilford Nelson and they raised their family in the Burley area. After losing Bob, she later married Ronald Karlson. All those who knew her and loved her called her Granny. She could always be found enjoying the outdoors in her backyard swing and listening to two kinds of music – Country and Western. She loved to dance, garden, take Sunday drives in the mountains, and have her family and friends gathered near.

Jean is survived by her eight children, Sharon Fairchild of Florida, RaeDene (Marty) Gillette, Gary Nelson (Susie Payne), Wayne (Gayetta) Nelson, and Paula (Robyn) Ramey all of Burley, Linda Cutler, and Meah (Arthur) Espinoza all of Rupert, and Darla (Mike) Legault of Heyburn; 23 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many dear friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands; and her siblings.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at the Pleasant View Cemetery, 1645 E. 16th St., in Burley, with Bishop Clay Handy officiating.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, and from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.