Betty J. (Darnell) Nelson

Betty Jane (Darnell) Nelson, 87, of Lock Haven passed away Tuesday evening, February 4, 2020 at Haven Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, Lock Haven.

Born April 27, 1932 in Galesburg, Illinois a daughter of the late Kenneth LeRoy and Doris Pauline (Whiteside) Darnell.

She attended Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois where she received a Bachelor’s degree in English and English Literature.

On January 23, 1955 she married Dr. Russell C. Nelson. They celebrated 61 years of marriage together until his death March 11, 2016. After their marriage they moved to Alaska, where Russell was stationed in the U.S. Air Force at Fairbanks, Alaska. After the Air Force they moved to Iowa City, Iowa so Russell could finish his Master’s and Doctorate in Music Education. Susan and Paul were born in Iowa City and then moved to Lock Haven in 1966 where Russ taught music at Lock Haven University.

Betty was a stay at home mom, but was very active in the Adult Literacy Council and taught several adults in Lock Haven to read. She was a member of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, American Association of Women and Lock Haven University Dames.

Betty loved cats and watching birds. She and Russ also enjoyed traveling, especially to Hilton Head Island.

She also served on the KCSD school board and was very active in AAUW.

She is survived by a son, Paul C. Nelson of Lock Haven and a daughter Susan (William Shaman) Nelson of Manchester, Iowa and a grandson Michael Nelson of Lock Haven and also a step-grandson Matthew Burns of State College.

Betty is survived by a brother Robert Darnell of Mesa, AZ.

A memorial service is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ross Library or the Clinton County SPCA through the funeral chapel.

Helt Funeral Chapel, Mill Hall has charge of arrangements.