Betty Jean (Elston) Nelson was born to E.A (Bud) Elston and Alice Jean (Bowie) Elston in Ensign, Alberta Canada, on September 23, 1926. She and her parents moved to the Tacoma Washington area in 1932 where Betty was enrolled in elementary school in the Elk Plain District, then on to graduate from Orting High School in 1944. After graduation, she was employed by Woolworth’s, in addition to working at the Tacoma shipyards as a draftsman. In 1946, she, along with her parents and younger brother, moved to Brookings. While working in a café/soda fountain, known as the Coffee Mill, she met Neil Nelson, whom she later married in January of 1948. Betty worked for many years as secretary for the Elks Lodge and was active in the Emblem Club as well. She then became the owner of Brookings Liquor Store and worked there until her retirement. She spent the last several years under the care of Hortencia Hernandez until her passing on November 13, 2017. Betty is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Neil, oldest son Dennis, who is survived by his wife Carol and, son-in-law Dean. She is survived by her brother Buddy (Sharon) Elston, daughters Pamela (Dean) Downing, Eileen (Glenn) Musser, Diana (Rick) Eslinger and son Rex (Tina) Nelson. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, 2 nephews, 1 niece, 3 grand-nephews and 2 grand-nieces. At her request there was no service.
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