In Loving Memory of Merle Ann “Standish” Nelson (Mia Idgua Nidish) “Women Walks Ahead” was born on January 6, 1967 to Leo Standish Sr. and Joyce Bearstail Standish in Watford City ND. Merle was raised in Mandaree ND. In her younger years she was involved in various sports such as basketball, cheerleading, and was also involved in the Mandaree school band. She was a fancy shawl dancer, and a princess for the Mandaree powwow committee where she traveled to various powwows throughout the country.
After graduating from Mandaree school in 1987, she attended Job Corp in Utah and upon returning, she worked as a paraprofessional in the Mandaree School district where she met her lifelong partner Thomas Nelson Sr. whom she later married. She enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, and spending time at the lake with family and friends, shooting pool, listening to music, ”PRINCE” going to the casino with her sisters, watching and cheering for her favorite team the Denver Broncos, spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed watching and traveling with the ND 22 band where she was their biggest fan and supporter also known as their “momager”. Merle’s greatest accomplishments was being a mother in which she took great pride in.
Merle appreciated the simple things in life and lived life to the fullest. She will always be remembered for her willingness to lend a helping hand and greet whomever she came in contact with, open arms. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and all those who knew and loved her.
Merle is survived by: Sons – Lane (Kayla), Tommy (Kashmir), Ian. Daughters - Robin (Robbie), Alicia, Anisa (John). Grandchildren- Nolen, Phoenix, Gunner, Presly, Melody, Caleb, Anora, Winter, Thorne, Justice. Great Grand-Daughters- Amelia, Isabella
Merle is preceded in death by her parents Leo Standish Sr. and Joyce Bearstail Standish numerous Brothers and Sisters.