Iris Nelson passed away Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Mackenzie Place in Grande Prairie, AB, at the age of age 96 years

Iris was born to Fred and Faye Boyd on August 4, 1922 in their first farmhouse, 7 miles east of Grande Prairie. She grew up on the farm, attending school at Crystal Creek from grades 1-9. She then helped out on the farm until she started a job as a cook in the old Grande Prairie Hospital, where she stayed for many years.

In the early forties, Iris met the love of her life, Bert Nelson. They courted and married in 1947. Bert became a pilot in the Air Force which transferred them to different bases in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Namao, AB. While in Namao, Bert retired from the Air Force and they then moved to Edmonton. Iris was able to get a job as a cook at a Care Center where she stayed for many years.

In 2002, Iris lost her soulmate, Bert. She then moved back to Grande Prairie to be near her family and her old farm place. She was blessed to be able to actually move back into the farmhouse for some time before her declining health. This prompted her nephew Rod Rutberg and his wife Debbie to take the reins. They were able to get Iris nestled into Mackenzie Place where she would be safe and comfortable. Rod and Debbie's selflessness was ongoing as they consistently met Iris's every need from the day of her arrival there to her final days with us.

Iris is survived by her nephews: Rod (Debbie) Rutberg, Dennis

(Carolann) Rutberg, Randy (Pat) Ames, and Len (Donna) Ames; nieces Judy (Barry) McRann and Bonny Ames; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

Iris was predeceased by her husband Bert, her infant brother in 1932, mother Faye, father Fred, brother Marshall, sister Mavis, sister Corinne and brother Harmon.

Thank you, Auntie, for all you've given us and the beautiful memories we shared during your precious time here on earth.

A Graveside service will be held later in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made to Grande Prairie Cancer Centre (C/O Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation, 10409 98 St., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 2E8) or to Diabetes Canada (104, 12220 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton, AB, T5N 3Y4).