The White Mountain Independent,
Show Low, Arizona ~ March 27, 2008
Adelbert Nelson, 99, a resident of Thatcher, entered eternal rest Saturday, March 22, 2008, at the Bee Hive Home in Santa Clara, N.M., where he had made his home for the past two years. He was born Oct. 21, 1908, in Springerville to Joseph Edmond and Jennie (Greenwood) Nelson.
He worked as a cowboy from his early teens until after he was 80 years old. He owned ranches and managed ranches, but his greatest interest was taking care of the animals. He did much of his work horseback and was highly skilled with the rope. In later years, he was asked how he still handled those cows now that he was growing older and he said, "Ah, you just have to get smarter than the cows."
Family was very important part of Adelbert's life. He loved having his grandchildren follow him on the ranch, teaching them to work and ride. "We will all greatly miss this great man, his cowboy tales and the influence he has had in our lives."
Adelbert is survived by two sons, Jack (Lu Dene) Nelson of Cuba, N.M., and Dorian (Mary) Nelson of Thatcher; daughters Norma Nelson of West Jordan, Utah, Kathryne Goodin of Animas, N.M., Shanna (DeWayne) Dixon of Russellville, Ark., and Rhonda Nelson of Las Cruces,N.M.; sisters Eva Mann of Bend, Ore., and Josephine Sparks of Winston, Ore.; 35 grandchildren; 82 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 29, from 10-10:45 a.m. (MST) in Springerville at the L.D.S. Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. (MST) to noon (New Mexico time) with Bishop Fred Martin officiating. Interment will follow at Eagar City Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Terrazas Crematory.