Rhea Mae Nelson

Rhea Mae (Whitmill) Nelson, 86, of Idaho Falls, former long-time resident of Basalt, Idaho; beloved mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on March 29, 2017 surrounded by her loving family.

Rhea was born in Shelley, Idaho on September 10, 1930 to Lee and Ida Whitmill. She attended school in Shelley, while in school she enjoyed going to school dances and playing sports such as basketball and baseball.

On November 11, 1949 she married Francis “Buck” Nelson at her parents’ home in Shelley. They then shared 45 wonderful years together before Buck passed away in August of 1995. After their marriage the couple moved into a small trailer in Shelley. In 1952 the couple was blessed with their first son Michael, later that year they made their home in Basalt, where the rest of their children, Brent, Linda, Blaine, and Jan, were born.

After getting married, she worked at the Dutch Treat Café in Shelley and later at Idaho Supreme in Firth where she worked until she retired.

Rhea was a member of the LDS church, as a member she enjoyed coaching the girls softball team for many years. Her girls won multiple championships. She loved baseball anytime. Rhea enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, she especially loved camping.

She left behind her loving children, Brent (Robin) Nelson of Basalt, Blaine (Maylee) Dugan-Nelson of Idaho Falls, Janet (Jose) Garza of Idaho Falls and Linda Hooper of Idaho Falls, and two siblings Marlene Crow of Idaho Falls and Ted Whitmill of Shelley. She was welcomed to heaven by her loving husband, son, three granddaughters, her parents and five brothers.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 3, 2017 at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley. The family will receive friends Monday morning from 11:30 till 12:45p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Basalt Cemetery.