Clara Nelson

Clara Nelson

Clara Nelson, 93, passed away on Nov. 22, 2016 at her home in Portland, Ore. Clara Lethrud was born on Nov. 5, 1923 in Fortuna, N.D., to Peter M. and Julia Amelia Johnson Lethrud. She moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 1936. She graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1942.

On Sept. 4, 1954 she married Joe Nelson in Sandpoint, Idaho. They resided in Moyie Springs. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bonners Ferry. They joined Eastern Star in 1965. She served several terms as Worthy Matron over the years. She was also the Guardian Secretary to the Jobs Daughter bethel in Bonners Ferry. She worked for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in Bonners Ferry for 36 years, retiring as the Office Manager/County Executive Director in 1984. After retiring, they moved to Seattle, Wash., and then to Portland, Ore., where they had resided for the last 25 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings Alfred (Dutchie), Elenora, Anna, Marie, Helena, Aggie, and Henry.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Joe, in Portland, Ore.; daughter Linda (Lee) Lampton of Libby, Mont.; sons Richard Nelson of New York, N.Y., and Leonard (Cheryl) Nelson in Portland, Ore.; grandchildren, Jeremy Carr and Lucas Lampton, both in Libby, Mont., Jacob, Elizabeth and Spencer Nelson all in Portland, Ore.; great-grandchildren Jonothan Carr and Hailee Lampton both in Libby, Mont.; brother Olaf (Carol) Lethrud of Bonners Ferry; step-grandchildren Eric Lampton and Ivy (Mike) Bond; step-great-grandchildren Tyler, Ezra and Carter.

A celebration of her life will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 24, 2017 at Kootenai River Inn in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

She had a special love for the Shriners Hospital, so donations in her name may be made to the Shriners Hospital, Office of Development, 911 W. 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204, or to the charity of your choice.