Etta Emma Nelsen

Etta E. Nelsen, 91, of Landsun Drive, Carlsbad, NM, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at her home. There will be no visitation, cremation will take place. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2013, 10:00 AM, at Landsun Homes - Otto Chapel with Dr. Larry Krueger officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Etta E. Nelsen was born August 20, 1921 in Craig, Colorado to Niler E. and Bessie Una (Hughes) Pyeatt. She was raised around Grand Junction and Palisade, CO, later moving to Denver, where she graduated from East High School. Etta married Douglas Gold on September 1, 1940 and they had two daughters. She later attended the Emily Griffin Opportunity School where she obtained a cosmetology license. After her marriage and ownership of her own business in Denver, she moved to California in 1964, resuming her career as a self-employed beautician. Etta lived in Sacramento from 1967 until her retirement in 1986. During her stay in California she belonged to the Business Women's Association and held membership in the West Coast Art Association. Etta returned to live in Denver and volunteered at the Aurora Senior Center. While there she was asked to join the staff and had a second career for five years. Etta married Lloyd L. Nelsen in 1994. They lived in Caldwell, Idaho and Mesa, Arizona, moving to Landsun Homes in Carlsbad in August of 1999. While in Carlsbad she did volunteer work at Landsun and the public schools, enjoyed the company of new acquaintances, joined the coffee club and participated in a variety of senior and community activities. Etta loved to oil paint, travel, garden and assist others. She belonged to the Presbyterian Church in Denver and several churches in CA. After moving to Landsun, she worshipped in the Chapel at Landsun Homes. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd Nelsen; grandson, Samuel; two sisters and two brothers. She is survived by two daughters: Mary Pyeatt and husband, Lawrence of Cokedale, CO, Connie Decker and husband, Bill of Denver, CO; two step-daughters: Sharon Johnson and husband, Gene of Corvallis, OR, Janice Pollard and husband, Gary of Tualatin, OR; 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-granddaughters; three brothers: Gordon McKelvie, Lawrence Pyeatt, Melvin Pyeatt and numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Landsun Homes Caring Hand Fund, 2002 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.