Zetha Nelson

Zetha Nelson, age 101, died Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

Funeral services are 11:00 AM Monday, August 4, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church. Visitation is Sunday from 5:00-6:00 PM at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Monday from 10:00-11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be 2:30 PM Monday in the Central City Cemetery.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are encouraged to family's choice for future designation.

Zetha was born and raised near Silver Creek, NE.  She graduated from Silver Creek High School with 17 class members.  Following graduation, she worked as a dental assistant before marrying Stewart Abel in 1945.  Zetha stayed at home to raise their three sons, and when the boys were older, worked as an elementary school secretary for many years.  Zetha was a longtime member of the Methodist Church, taught Sunday school, and called upon new mothers and church children for 22 years.  She was a member of craft clubs, Keystone, and Master Gardeners.  Stewart passed away in 1983 and Zetha married Marvin Nelson in 1985.  She and Marvin enjoyed traveling throughout the United States in an RV for many years, visiting 48 states.

Zetha is preceded in death by parents, Cyrus and Stella (Cowgill) Norris; husbands, Stewart Abel and Marvin Nelson; sons, Infant and Danny Abel; brothers, Infant and Ray and Cecil Norris; sisters, Grace Norris, Gladys Felt, Fern Lyon and Hazel Boelts.

Zetha is survived by sons, Roger (Vicki) Abel of Castle Rock, CO and Gary Abel of Larkspur, CO; stepchildren, Brian (Barb) Nelson of Rockford, IL, Brad (Shirley) Nelson of Columbus, NE and Joan (Paul) Kunes of Bellevue, NE; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Zetha will be remembered for her creativity, beautiful flower gardens, caring/positive attitude and her unconditional love.