Dona B Nelson

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/0SCP8bZoMk0 

In the early morning hours of February 27, 2025, our beautiful mother passed from our arms into the arms of her loved ones in heaven. Dona Bebe Nelson, known as “Dona Babe”, was born October 30, 1935, the only child of Howard and Mildred Johnson of McVille, North Dakota. Dona grew up on a hard working family farm with a deep faith in her Father in Heaven. After graduating from Sharon High School she attended Concordia College and the University of North Dakota. She began dating her future husband Norman Nelson from Sharon, North Dakota. They were married on October 24, 1954.

They moved to Covina, California and began their life together. In 1966 they moved back to North Dakota to take over the family farm after Norman’s father passed away. While Dad was working the farm, Mom took on teaching piano to children and adults in the area. They raised four children, and as kids we were blessed with a fun-loving childhood with amazing parents teaching us by example.

Later in life, Norman and Dona sold the farm and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Mom had a flair for flower design and worked as a florist for many years where she could surround herself with beautiful flowers. When Norman passed in 2005, Dona continued to live in Phoenix teaching piano and staying active in her church. In the following twenty years after Norman’s passing, Mom showed us her quiet inner-strength through her strong faith in God, knowing she would see her husband again one day.

Dona is survived by her four children: Karen Schiff of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Connie (Bob) Mascoe of Lone Tree, Colorado; Scott (Nancy) Nelson of Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Brian (Pam) Nelson of Crystal, North Dakota. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren: (Brad and Brandon Schiff; Eric, Kristen and Kelly Mascoe; Jason Nelson, Samantha (Nelson) Wong; Julia and Anna Nelson and 7 great-grandchildren: (Paxton, Peyton, Parker, August, Rylan, Maverick, and Micah).

Dona was preceded in death by her husband Norman of 51 years of marriage and her parents Howard and Millie Johnson. We can only imagine the joyful reunion Mom is having now that she has gone to be with the Lord.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM at Amundson Funeral Home on Friday, March 14, 2025. Visitation will take place at 1:00PM at Amundson Funeral Home.