Bertha Szevery

REXBURG, Idaho – Peggy Simmons Nelson Szevery, 97, beloved mother and grandmother, died Tuesday, December 9, 2008 in Rexburg, Idaho. She was born October 29, 1911 in Byron, Wyoming, a daughter of John James and Bertha Sessions Simmons. She grew up in Oakley, Idaho where she attended school. Peggy resided in Ogden until 1960 where she and her husband owned and operated the Cobble Cottage restaurant; Huntington Beach, CA until 2005; and in Rexburg, ID until her death. She worked most of her life retiring at age 87 as an optician’s assistant. She also worked for doctors in Utah and California. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Burton III Ward, Rexburg, Idaho Stake. She served in many capacities throughout her life. She was last called as the ward librarian in Huntington Beach where she served for many years until her move to Idaho. Mom “Nana” was a great example to her family. She taught valuable principles through example: being on time, being optimistic, having tenacity, showing that you can accomplish anything in your life, having love for children, love of service, and love for her Heavenly Father. She leaves behind five children: a daughter Shirley Hyer Ginsborg, Fountain Valley, CA; a son, Robert “Bobby” Burns, Sun Valley, ID; a son Lawrence J. Nelson, Portland, OR; a daughter Darlene McCluskey, Rexburg, ID; and daughter Suzanne Nelson, Alicia Viejo, CA; daughter-in-law, Barbara Nelson, Lucerne, CA; 20 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving are one brother, Francis Simmons, Olympia, WA; one sister, Edna Simmons Runchel, Roy, UT; and one sister-in-law, Evelyn Simmons, Hooper, UT. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Elmer Earl Nelson, and her son, Steven Nelson. Graveside services will be held Monday at 3 p.m. at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Friends may call at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., on Monday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perpetual Education Fund.