Nettie Ann Graham Nelson, 85, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home in Boise, Idaho, on June 15, 2026, surrounded by her posterity.
Nettie will always be remembered as a faithful, loving woman whose life was centered on her family, her faith, and serving others. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Early Life & Education
Nettie was born on May 8, 1941, in Rigby, Idaho, to Leonard and Evelyn Graham. She spent what she often described as an idyllic childhood on the family farm alongside her seven siblings.
She graduated from Rigby High School in 1959 and continued her education at Ricks College, graduating in 1961. While attending Ricks College, Nettie was voted "Delta Phi Dreamgirl" and was the runner-up in the Miss Jefferson County Pageant—honors she always remembered with a playful sense of pride. She later attended Brigham Young University.
Marriage & Family
Nettie married her sweetheart, Max Nelson of Ririe, Idaho, in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1962.
In 1965, they moved to Boise, Idaho, where they established the family home in which they would raise their seven children and spend the next 58 years creating a lifetime of memories.
Although Nettie taught second grade and was an accomplished pianist and organist, she always considered her greatest accomplishment to be her family.
Life & Service
Nettie possessed a joyful laugh, a surprisingly strong handshake, and an unwavering devotion to her faith and those she loved.
Her home was always open to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in need. For more than forty years, countless people gathered around her kitchen table, where they shared homemade hot scones and honey butter while building friendships and creating treasured memories. Her kitchen became a place of comfort, laughter, and belonging for generations.
Even after surviving breast cancer, Nettie never slowed in her desire to nurture, serve, and care for others.
Faith
Nettie's life was a remarkable example of Christian discipleship.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she faithfully accepted countless church callings throughout her life. For twenty years, she supervised the evening cleaning crew at the Boise Idaho Temple, considering it a privilege to care for the House of the Lord.
Her spirit of service also extended to her family. She lovingly cared for her mother, Evelyn, for twelve years until her passing. Later, she and Max devoted themselves to caring for their daughter Julie during the final three years of her life before Julie's passing in 2017.
Survivors
Nettie is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Max Nelson; her sister, Eva; her brothers, Leonard Jr. and Stephen; her children, Michael (Marlene), David (SueAnn), Susan (Scott), Kathryn (Sam), Robert (Summer), and Natalie (Ryan); 47 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in Death
Nettie was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; one sister; and her beloved daughter, Julie.
Legacy
Nettie's family honors her as a sacred influence in their lives. Her legacy of faith, unconditional love, selfless service, and quiet strength will continue to bless generations to come.
While her family deeply mourns her absence, they find peace in the knowledge that she has been joyfully reunited with her beloved daughter, Julie, and that the eternal family bonds she treasured throughout her life remain unbroken.
