Twila Ruth (Ranger) Nelson left us peacefully on September 11, 2021 at her home in Manson, IA. Twila was born Sept 16, 1941 in Atlantic IA. She attended schools in Atlantic, Rolfe, and Maurice – Orange City, IA. She graduated from Bernel Hairstyling College in Ft Dodge, IA in 1961
She married Merle E. Nelson on April 14, 1962, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Manson. In 1968, the couple purchased an acreage west of Manson. Church was important to Twila. She taught Sunday school, served on various committees, and attended bible study. Her affection for the residents at the Good Samaritan Center in Manson, where her mother, Lona, lived, led her to become a CNA in 1994. She worked there for five years. She retired from her salon business just short of 50 years.
Her passions were decorating her home, writing letters to her siblings, watching Home Town on HGTV, and especially flower gardening, (When asked what her favorite flower was, the answer was always “anything white” – her favorite color)
Her time spent with her granddaughters after becoming ill was a great joy to her.
She is survived by her husband Merle of 59 years. Sons Randall (Patty) Nelson; Dean (Dawn Wheaton) Nelson; granddaughters: Kory (Cody) Roberts, Lisa (Dan) Sullivan, Nikki (Justin) Ferrell, and Chian Nelson. great grandchildren: Westen, Levi, and Joliene Roberts; brother: Jerry Ranger, and sisters: Joyce Herbert, Janet Sroufe, and Jane (Joel) Sybesma.
She was preceded in death by twin brother: Teddy Ranger, nephew: Crosley Ranger, nieces: Franette Ranger, Jody Pomeroy, and Ranae Ricklefs; brothers-in-law Frank Herbert and Larry Sroufe; and her parents Lona Riches and Roger Ranger.
The Celebration of Twila's life on Saturday will include a picture display and a light lunch.
All memorials will be donated to The Angel Ride to Save the Ta-Ta's
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