Bethany L. (Jamieson) Nelson

Bethany L. (Jamieson) Nelson, age 77 died peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 22, 2019. Beth is survived by her husband of 59 years, David Elmer Nelson; her daughter's Connie (John) Giblin and Teresa (Joe) Buehler; her grandchildren Bill (Katie) Giblin and Erin (Keith) Menge and five great-grandchildren, Brennen, Kera, Ryleigh, Carter and Paisley. She is predeceased by her parents, Gladys (Joe) DeSonia and Robert (Eunice) Jamieson, her brother Tom Jamieson and two grandsons James Cucovatz and Andrew Giblin. Beth was born and raised in Marengo, IL and married her best friend and love of her life, Dave on September 12, 1959 with a honeymoon in the Bahamas. They made their home in Marengo where they raised their two daughters and lived their lives in service to their community. Beth lived her faith through her many volunteer commitments. She was active in her church her entire life serving as Sunday School Teacher, Awana Leader, Librarian, Deaconess, Pulpit Committee, Nursey Worker, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Church Clerk and as a Stephens Minister. After she and Dave moved to Kirkland where they owned Trimble Run Orchard, Beth also served as an Election Judge. Beth's passions led her to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for 12 years where she was an advocate and voice for children. While serving with CASA she was nominated in 2012 for Super Senior of the Year. Beth was a legal secretary for Pollock, Meyers and Eicksteadt and also served as a librarian assistant at Locust Grade School. Beth was always social and enjoyed connections with others through shared interests in crafting, book club, bridge, bowling, bible study and vacationing with friends. She loved music and had a beautiful alto voice. She was a member of her church choir and while a member of the Marengo Grange sang in a quartet along with Dave's mom. They won the Illinois State Grange competition in 1965 and went on to compete at the National contest. Beth was a beautiful lady who gave freely of her time and love. We will miss her tenderness, her hugs, her laughter and the refuge we would always find in her care. The family would like to give a special thank you for the compassionate care provided for Beth at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center where she and Dave moved in spring of 2018, and to Northern Illinois Hospice for her end of life care.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00a,Thursday, June 27th at Creekwood Baptist Church, 7281 Olde Creek Road, Rockford, IL. Pastor Darren Loeppky officiating. Visitation is 9:30a until time of service at the church. A luncheon will follow the service. Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Beth's memory to Northern Illinois Hospice https://northernillinoishospice.org/make-a-donation/, Creekwood Baptist Church https://www.creekwoodbc.org/ , CASA of Boone County http://www.boonecountycasa.org/Donate-Now.html , Parkinson's Association of Wisconsin https://www.wiparkinson.org/ or Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center https://www.fairhaven.cc/gifts-giving/