Friends are grieving the sudden death of former fabric store owner and bookkeeper Rhona Nelson, 70. She died of an apparent heart attack at her home Aug. 16. Nelson was cremated and a small, private service is planned.
Friend Cheryl Mullins said she would remember Nelson’s generosity and good humor. “When I was going through my divorce, I lived with her for two years,” Mullins said. They called each other sister. “I’m really going to miss her. Rhona had a big heart, a great laugh, and sharp sense of humor that was a little on the naughty side.”
Donna Walter recalled the time she was in Nelson’s Material Girls store selecting fabric for a banner for the Presbyterian Church, when Nelson gave it to her for free. “ I didn’t know her well, but she said, ‘I don’t go to church, but you can just have it, no charge.’ I always thought that was very nice of her,” Walter said.
Quilter Leslee Downer said Nelson was a positive force in sewing circles. Nelson’s store had a wide selection she managed to fit in a little space. “For a small town like Haines to have a fabric shop is a luxury, and hers was just beautiful,” Downer said. “Rhona was a joyful part of our lives. She’d laugh and make witty observations that would get us all giggling.”
Nelson came to Haines about 30 years ago with then-husband Jim Woodring. They lived in a cabin on his family’s upper highway homestead. She worked at the 33 Mile Roadhouse, where she made friends easily, said former cafe owner Kathi Lapp. “She was a super person, hardworking, outgoing and honest. You always knew where you stood with Rhona. She never minded telling you how she felt,” Lapp said.
After the marriage ended, Nelson went to work in town at Bigfoot Auto as a bookkeeper and eventually married company president Paul Nelson. She was close to his son Christopher. After the marriage ended, Nelson opened the fabric shop, a lifelong dream.
“Rhona was an amazing quilter, and a really good crocheter. She could whip out a blanket in like two days,” Mullins said.
Nelson also liked pets, reading, watching TV mysteries, and working Sudoku puzzles. At the time of her death she was working as a bookkeeper for Haines Home Building.
Nelson was born July 23, 1945 in California. She moved with her parents, postal worker Clarence Frederick Miels and homemaker Romell Miels, to St. Paul, Minn. Nelson graduated from high school in Minnesota and shortly afterward married and moved to Arkansas. After a divorce, she came to Alaska.
Nelson recently reunited with step-sister Carol Bloom of Kansas. “We became close as relatively older ladies,” Bloom said. She had hoped to see her soon. “Rhona was due to visit here in September and have a complete heart work up and possible surgery,” Bloom said.
“I’d like people to remember that Rhona was one of those people who are able to see the good in things. To be remembered fondly is such a lovely legacy, and that’s what she leaves me, fond memories,” Bloom said. In addition to Bloom, Nelson leaves three aunts in Minnesota.
Nelson was preceded in death by stepfather Harold V. French and by brother Tommy Miels Jr.
Donations in her memory may be made to Haines Animal Rescue Kennel, P.O. Box 1533, Haines, AK 99827.
Heather Lende
August
08
27
2015