Esther Nelson, 102, a lifelong resident to the Tioga community, passed away Monday, November 4, 2019 at the Tioga Medical Center Long Term Care Unit.

Esther Signora Agnes Strand was born on a farm in Golden Valley Township, northwest of Tioga on March 23, 1917 to Gilbert and Bertha (Ellingboe) Strand. She was baptized and confirmed in Zion Lutheran Church and graduated from Tioga High School in 1935.

On January 30, 1944 she was united in marriage to LeRoy Nelson. They lived on the Nelson farm southeast of Tioga through the ensuing years. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, being one of the organists for many years and also accompanied the Zion Trio.

After LeRoy died on April 4, 1968, she moved to Tioga, where she enjoyed her little garden and flowers. She always had a positive attitude and looked on the bright side of things. She entered the Tioga Nursing Home in January of 2006 where she resided until her death.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Sandra) Nelson of Tioga, ND; grandchildren, Hannah (Jesse) Nelson-Diaz, of Seattle, WA, Gretchen (Steve) Bitz of Bismarck, ND and Everett Nelson of Tioga, ND. Other survivors include four great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Also preceding her in death are her parents; sisters, Iola Warford and Beulah Hanchett.

God Bless Her Memory.