Leah Nelson

Leah Rae (Ziegler) Nelson of Carmi was called to heaven on March 5, 2013. Born September 18, 1942 the daughter of Arnold and Cuma (Spencer) Ziegler. Leah attended Carmi schools and then graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

She married the love of her life, Robert Joel Nelson on July, 15th 1961. Leah and Robert have two children, Tony Nelson and Debbie Nelson. Leah worked in the family business, Nelson Pipe & Supply Inc, as the bookkeeper.

She was involved in Carmi churches and enjoyed teaching Sunday School and was deeply moved by gospel hymns. She last attended Emmanuel United Methodist, which was also her home church as a child. Leah's greatest joy was family. She loved to watch sporting events or any other activities involving family, especially those of her grandchildren, Todd, Drew, and Tessie. Leah's unconditional love of family was her greatest gift.

In addition to Robert, her husband of nearly 52 years, Leah is survived by her daughter Debbie Nelson, her son Tony and his wife Sarah (Pereboom) Nelson, also grandchildren Todd and his wife Catherine (Ong) Nelson, Andrew Nelson and Tessie Nelson. She is also survived by her sisters, Donna Abshier and her husband Joe of Findlay, OH (a niece Elizabeth and a nephew Michael) and Rita Wilson and her husband Tom of Upper Tract, WV.
(nephews Scott and Jace). She was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Cuma Ziegler and her sister Arna Ziegler.

Surviving sisters-in-law Joe Ann Beeson and her husband Jack of Edmond, OK (nephews Bill and David) and June Walker and her husband Richard of Antlers, OK (niece Barbara and nephew Bobby) a brother-in-law Elwood Nelson and his wife Ruth (nieces Peggy, Jimmie, and Suzie and nephew Butch), sisters-in-law Grace Nelson of Oklahoma City, OK (niece Jody) and Betty Nelson of Carmi (niece Lea Ann and nephews Jeff and Steve).

Those preceding her in death are brothers-in laws Pat Nelson of Carmi and David Nelson and nephew Tom Nelson, both of Antlers, OK and a sister-in-law Benny Nelson of also of Antlers, OK.

Leah is also survived by special loved ones Janet Johnson, Kathy Brooks, Dianna Anderson, Kim Pritchard and Tammy Leithliter.

Graveside funeral and burial services for Leah Rae Nelson, 70, of Carmi, will be Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Carmi with Rev. Steve Nelson officiating. Friends may call on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi who is in charge of arrangements. After the service, a meal will follow at Emmanuel United Methodist Church and anyone who would like to attend is welcome.