Juanita "Nita" M. Nelson

Peoria - Juanita “Nita” M. Nelson, 93, of Peoria, passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021 at Proctor Place in Peoria. She was born on March 4, 1928 in Galesburg, IL, a daughter of Ernest A. and Stella A. (Young) Smith. Juanita married Ralph T. Nelson on September 5, 1948 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on January 14, 2021 in Peoria.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Ernest A. Smith Jr.; and her parents.

Surviving are her four sons, Terry (Rita) Nelson of Boise, ID, Larry (Sallee) Nelson of Bozeman, MT, and Kendall (Nancy) Nelson and Kevin (Kris) Nelson, both of Peoria; nine grandchildren, Kristen, Jenna, Michel, Laurel, Grant, Brian, Jeff, Tom and Sam; nine great-grandchildren, Rachel, Abby, Victoria, Justin, Riley, Conner, Gunner, Shelby and Khaliq; a great-great grandchild, Mila, a special niece, Suzi (Jack) Pickenbrock of Denver, CO; three brother-in-laws, Ivan Nelson, Dean (Sandy) Nelson and Carl (Barb) Nelson.

Juanita was a 1946 graduate of Galesburg High School and attended Monmouth College. She was a member of University United Methodist Church in Peoria, the Illinois State Dental Auxiliary, the Eastern Star White Shrine in Peoria, and the Proctor Service League for over 40 years. She was a past president of the Peoria District Dental Auxiliary.

Juanita had a great love for Swarovski Crystal and hummingbirds. She and Ralph loved their 48 years of annual trips to Maui.

She was adored for her cheery smile, sweet disposition and love of life. Family was always a priority. Juanita and Ralph had a loving marriage for 72 years.

Juanita's funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, December 6, 2021 at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Rev. Ethan Carnes will officiate. Her visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am also on Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. The family would like to thank the staff at Proctor Place for the care they gave to Juanita. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University United Methodist Church in Peoria.

Online condolences may be made to Juanita's family at www.woolsey-wilton.com.