L. Jean Terou Nelson

Lydia Jean Nelson, 93, of Elmer City, Washington, died Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at Callaway Gardens Alzheimer's facility in Kennewick, Washington. Jean was born in Hamilton, Montana on April 25, 1929 to Roy James Terou and Elma Maki Terou.

She came to Coulee Dam, WA with her family around 1942. In her twenties she worked as a waitress at the Green Hut Café in Coulee Dam, WA. She met and married Kenneth "Swede" Nelson on Feb 4, 1951. Together they resided in Elmer City, WA raising 4 children. Early in her marriage to Swede they owned and operated a butcher and meat storage locker plant which they operated out of their house in Elmer City. When they closed the locker plant they renovated the facility into their entire home. She lived in this home until 2017.

In June 1995, Jean retired after 31 years driving school bus for the Grand Coulee Dam School District stating as she departed, "There is always a new hill to climb and it's always interesting to see what's on the other side." She did not slow down after retirement and travelled several times to Mexico, Africa and Alaska. She hunted in Alaska with her family and in 2002 shot and killed a 50" moose along with her daughter and granddaughter in what became known as "the year of the ladies". Her Africa adventures left quite an impression on her and she would talk non-stop about those trips. Jean was an avid antique collector enjoying a large variety of antiques, some of which were crafted throughout her home in Elmer City. Visiting Jean's home was much like visiting a museum and she could tell you about each and every item she possessed. She loved woodworking, sewing, crocheting and crafts of all kinds. She was always working on something and did not like to sit idle.

Jean is survived by her four children, Diane Thomas and husband Mark of Fairbanks, AK; Craig Nelson and wife Debbie of Electric City, WA; Clifford Nelson and wife Beth of Duvall, WA; Flint Nelson and wife Katie of Prosser WA; a sister Shirley Terou Boechmann, of Richmond, Mn. Nephews and Nieces Clayton Mielke, Russell Mielke, Gail Anderson, and Sharon Hartsfield. Four Grandchildren, Eric Thomas, Ambria Younker, of Fairbanks, AK, Madry Nelson and Leif Nelson, of Prosser, WA, and 2 great grandchildren Hunter and Haidyn Ptacek of Fairbanks, AK. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth "Swede" Nelson.

A private family graveside memorial service will be held at the Spring Canyon Cemetery.

"Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared athttp://www.stratefuneral.com for the Nelson family.   

STRATE FUNERAL HOME, Grand Coulee, Washington is caring for the family."