Ella Wave Nelson, 80, of Laramie, WY, died August 21, 2016 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital after a battle with cancer.
Ella was born February 8, 1936 in Arroll, Missouri to William and Dollie Adkins. She moved with her family to Wyoming in the 40’s, spending her early years in Keystone, Fox Park and finally Laramie. She graduated from Laramie High School in 1955. She married Robert Nelson in 1962. They had three daughters and enjoyed traveling as much as possible. Robert died in 1974, leaving Ella to raise their three daughters, Lisa, Bobette and Amy. Ella worked for the USDA as a Lab Manager, retiring in 2001 after 43 years of service. Ella found love again 30 years later and married Leonard Lay in June 2005. She lost Leonard in June 2015. Ella and Leonard also enjoyed traveling to Mission TX, wintered in Missouri, and summered in Wyoming. They volunteered at the Brush Creek Visitor Center, enjoying their beloved mountains, visiting with new and old friends, taking as many pictures as possible.
She is survived by daughters Lisa (Jack) Eva of Laramie, WY, Bobette (Mike) Nelson Bull of Menasha, WI, Amy (Mike) Ernst of Laramie, WY, stepchildren Laura Deese, Bruce Nelson, Penny Collins, Paula Cantrell, Pamela Charles; and seven grandchildren, Rebecca, Casey, Sydney, Kristen, Kyle, Dylan, Shannon.
She is preceded in death by her parents William and Dollie Adkins, sister Della Husman, brothers Frank, Ace, Bill, Archie Adkins, husbands Robert Nelson and Leonard Lay.
Service will be 8/27/16 at Grace Baptist Church at 10:30, gravesite service and reception following at the Grace Baptist fellowship hall.
Ella never met a person she didn’t like, she will be greatly missed.
12 Comments To "Ella Wave Nelson"
#1 Comment By Janet Knight On August 23, 2016 @ 10:36 pm
Lisa, and family, your mom was a dpecial very nice, pleasant lady. I enjoyed talking with her whenever I saw her. She was always so happy. She will be missed. Lisa she was your “Rock” Take Care
#2 Comment By The Jumet Family On August 24, 2016 @ 4:16 pm
Amy, Lisa and Bobby your Mom will be missed. So sorry for your loss. I’m not sure any of the family can go back to the visitor’s center without her and Poppa Len. We had a lot of good times together. Take care and I hope you will remember us fondly. David, Joann, Shane, Mandi Jason and Chad
#3 Comment By Janet Knight On August 23, 2016 @ 10:38 pm
Lisa, your mom was your “Rock” oh how she loved you. I enjoyed seeing her and how happy she was all the time. After I talked to her I felt that happiness it was contagious lol. She will be missed by lots of people.
Take Care Lisa!
#4 Comment By Jerie Owens On August 24, 2016 @ 1:36 pm
Lisa, Bobette and Amy; I’m so sorry for your loss. I so much enjoyed visiting with Ella at the Family Reunion in July. She was truly a sweetheart.
#5 Comment By Anonymous On August 24, 2016 @ 1:56 pm
Bobbi & Sisters, you have our deepest sympathy on the death of your mother. Time does heal, but you never forget the memories.
Kathy & Mike Goetsch
#6 Comment By Patty Ramsdell On August 24, 2016 @ 5:27 pm
Thinking of all of you at this time.
Patty Murdoch Ramsdell
#7 Comment By Anonymous On August 24, 2016 @ 8:05 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss being mistaken for her. We always joked with each other about being twins seperated at birth even with the age difference. She was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed. Sandy McJunkin
#8 Comment By Sarah Carpenter Walker Pope On August 26, 2016 @ 2:06 pm
To Amy, Lisa, and Bobette,
I remember your mom as a Camp Fire favorite. She was a wonderful woman, and has been a great friend to many in the community, including my good friend, Lucy.
Deepest condolences in your loss
#9 Comment By Anonymous On August 27, 2016 @ 4:07 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Treasure those memories. She was a very special person. Les and Phyllis Murdoch
#10 Comment By Anonymous On August 29, 2016 @ 2:06 pm
Our heartfelt condolences to all family and friends. Val and Debra Harris
#11 Comment By Anonymous On August 30, 2016 @ 5:30 pm
My condolences on Ella’s passing to her three daughters Amy, Lisa, and Bobette. What a delight to have known this very special lady all these years and to finally figure out how we all are related. All of the comments made you three, led off by Mike’s special memories were such a wonderful tribute to your mom. It was so fun to get to spend that afternoon with her in June, topped off by two more visits during our early July family reunion. Ella, “well done thou good and faithful servant.” The Gospel of St Mark. Dan Nelson
#12 Comment By Anonymous On September 2, 2016 @ 5:50 pm
On behalf of the Forest Service family, our condolences on the passing of Wave. As the cornerstone of the Brush Creek Visitor Center for so many years, Wave helped create thousands of lasting, cherished memories for visitors from all over the globe. Her warm, friendly smile and engaging, devoted volunteerism will be missed by all of us. Here’s hoping you find peace in the soft light of the mountains she loved.
– District Ranger Melanie B. Fullman, USFS