Nelda G. Blair
June 4, 1936 — January 4, 2021
Nelda Grace Blair was born June 4, 1936 to Bernice (Algoe) and Everett Crane in Carroll, Iowa. Nelda was raised on the farm in Vail, Iowa. She graduated from Vail High School in 1955. After graduation, Nelda attended business school in Omaha before returning to Vail. Nelda married William “Bill” Blair on June 2, 1956 at the United Presbyterian Church in Vail, Iowa. Nelda and Bill went on to have three sons Merle, Steven, and David.
Nelda was woman of faith. She was lifelong member of the Vail Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon, elder, clerk of session, and preschool Sunday school teacher. Nelda joined the Vail Order of Eastern Star in December 1954. In addition to Vail’s branch, Nelda was also member of Eastern Star in Logan, Carroll, and Manning. She also a member of the state grand chapter.
Once the boys were in school, Nelda returned to the workforce. She was a secretary for the West Central Sheltered Workshop, which is now WESCO. In her later years she found her calling by helping at Albertson’s Flower Boutique for special occasions. That was truly her favorite job.
Nelda was an avid gardener. She had a big vegetable garden and a flower garden at every corner of the house. While Nelda did not do a lot of canning, she made sure anyone who wanted fresh produce got some. Anyone that knew Nelda knows she not only had a large garden but an immaculate yard.
Nelda passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021 at the age of eighty-four years and seven months. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, her sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Blair Baughman; brothers-in-law, Andy Blair, Dick Blair, and Levi Blair; and sister-in-law, Ethel Blair.
Survivors include her sons Merle Blair of Denison, IA; Steven Blair of Denison, IA; David (Barb) Blair of Vail, IA; 7 grandchildren Charlotta (special friend Matt), Sarah (Gordie), Daniel (Katie), Chad, Faith, Steven, and Lucas; 4 step grandchildren Shyla, Asa, Chelle, and Laura; 3 great grandchildren Asher, Ryver, and Isaac; two sisters-in-law; Ruth Blair and Lois Blair; and her beloved dog, Sophie
*Masks and social distancing are required for both services and the visitation.*
Nelda was woman of faith. She was lifelong member of the Vail Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon, elder, clerk of session, and preschool Sunday school teacher. Nelda joined the Vail Order of Eastern Star in December 1954. In addition to Vail’s branch, Nelda was also member of Eastern Star in Logan, Carroll, and Manning. She also a member of the state grand chapter.
Once the boys were in school, Nelda returned to the workforce. She was a secretary for the West Central Sheltered Workshop, which is now WESCO. In her later years she found her calling by helping at Albertson’s Flower Boutique for special occasions. That was truly her favorite job.
Nelda was an avid gardener. She had a big vegetable garden and a flower garden at every corner of the house. While Nelda did not do a lot of canning, she made sure anyone who wanted fresh produce got some. Anyone that knew Nelda knows she not only had a large garden but an immaculate yard.
Nelda passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021 at the age of eighty-four years and seven months. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, her sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Blair Baughman; brothers-in-law, Andy Blair, Dick Blair, and Levi Blair; and sister-in-law, Ethel Blair.
Survivors include her sons Merle Blair of Denison, IA; Steven Blair of Denison, IA; David (Barb) Blair of Vail, IA; 7 grandchildren Charlotta (special friend Matt), Sarah (Gordie), Daniel (Katie), Chad, Faith, Steven, and Lucas; 4 step grandchildren Shyla, Asa, Chelle, and Laura; 3 great grandchildren Asher, Ryver, and Isaac; two sisters-in-law; Ruth Blair and Lois Blair; and her beloved dog, Sophie
*Masks and social distancing are required for both services and the visitation.*
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