Rachel Matthews Nelson

BURLEY - Rachel Matthews Nelson was born in Declo, Idaho, on Jan. 17, 1925, to Timothy Wilford and Lillian Genevieve Ramsey Matthews. She died April 14, 2015, in Burley, Idaho, at the age of 90.

She was educated in Declo and Burley, graduating from Burley High School. Rachel married Loren C. Nelson during her senior year of high school. They were later divorced. To this union was born three children, Richard, Lamont, and Michele.

During her life, Rachel served in many leadership positions in many organizations, and was the president of many of them, including the women’s organization of the Lions Club, Soroptimist International, Music Club, Book Club, and Community Concerts. She had many talents including being an accomplished seamstress and playing the piano. She had an amazing ability to connect with people and made many friends from all age groups.

Christmastime was her favorite and she loved collecting Santas and hosting her annual coffee hour. Her upside-down Christmas tree was dearly loved and well known in her circle of friends and neighbors. She had a love for dogs, especially beagles.

Rachel’s family was very dear to her. It didn’t matter if you were one of her children or a third cousin twice removed, you were family and part of her heart.

Rachel is survived by her children, Richard (Sue) Nelson of Rupert, and Michele (Kevin) Fitt of Sandy, Utah; five grandchildren, Samantha, Ashley, McKay, Cassidy, and Kelsey; four great- grandchildren; and a brother, Mike (Mavis) Matthews of Declo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Lamont; and her brothers, Frank (Tokes), Bill (Skinny) and Kelly.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 16, at the Burley LDS West Stake Center, 2420 Parke Ave., in Burley, with Bishop Kerry McMurray officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service in the Relief Society Room.

Arrangement have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.