www.lamontmortuary.com/obituary/5271416
Sylvia Adeline Knowlton Nelson was born in Springerville, AZ to Harry Glenn Knowlton and Vida (Elsie) Hulsey Knowlton. Sylvia was the eldest of five children. She was baptized in Becker's Lake, in May of 1942 along with her father, mother, and grandfather. The preacher Mac Kerchivel and song leader Richard, traveled from El Paso, Texas for the occasion. Sylvia served her Lord faithfully all the days of her life!
Sylvia grew up in the Springerville area, learning the value of hard work on the family cattle ranch and farm. During World War 2, she and her dad, Harry Knowlton, were recruited to work in the mill at the Phelps Dodge Copper Mine in Morenci, AZ. During this time, she developed a relationship with Afton Nelson, a home town boy. Afton had been drafted into the Army and assigned to the 8th Cavalry Division. She and Afton fell in love and were united in marriage in January 1946, shortly after Afton's honorable discharge from the military. They began their lives together in Globe, AZ. Afton was an auto mechanic, employed by Cobre Valley Motors.
In 1970 she purchased a drive-in restaurant in El Mirage, AZ. While operating it she was able to provide for her family and help with mission work, as well as provide jobs for many others. Sylvia was also active in the community by supporting children’s programs, and police and fire departments. She was generous to offer food and services to those in need.
Since 2013, she has been residing in a nursing home in Peoria, AZ. While there she continued making herself known to all the staff and residents she came into contact with, encouraging those she could, telling her stories, sharing her faith.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her Father in 1965, her Mother in 1986, Great-grandson Jonathan Nelson in 2011, Brothers Harry Glenn in 2011 and Lawrence Wendell in 2017. Sylvia is survived by her brothers: Kenneth & Merwin Knowlton, children: Royce (Patricia) Nelson, Verna Lindell, Ronald Nelson, 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.