Larita Nelson

LaRita Mae Nelson, 89, passed away in Troy, Idaho on March 19, 2025. She was born February 13, 1936, to Elmer and Stella Johnson and raised in Troy with her older sister, Mary Lou Miller. LaRita graduated from Troy High School in 1954, then moved to Spokane to attend Kinmon Business School. She worked as a bookkeeper for Washington Waterpower, Browns Furniture and later for the Nelson Brothers Farm. She married John ‘Jack’ Nelson, also of Troy, on September 1, 1956. They embarked on a 17-year adventure of living in at least 16 different homes as far North as Fairbanks, Alaska and South to Redding, California. In 1973, they returned to Troy with their three kids in tow, and that spring they settled out on Burnt Ridge where LaRita lived happily raising her three children and multitasking as a farmer’s wife for the next 51 years. The harvest crew loved seeing her van drive into the field as she delivered homemade ice cream bars.

LaRita had a hand in the writing of two books, ‘History of Troy’ by her mother, Stella Johnson, and ‘Burnt Ridge Memories’ by the Ladies of the Burnt Ridge Friendly Friday Club. She was also active in the Nora Social Club. LaRita and Jack were avid golfers and enjoyed many trips and adventures with their Laughlin group of friends. They also enjoyed many pinochle groups in Troy.

LaRita is survived by husband Jack of 68 years; sons, Bart Nelson and Kyle Nelson (Mary); daughter, Jody (Steve); grandchildren, Cory (Samantha), Riley (Taylor), Kirk (MaKenna), Carter, Matt and Gabe; and six great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Short’s Funeral Chapel on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11 a.m.

In leu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Moscow Special Olympics PO Box 541 Moscow ID 83843, Troy Library PO Box 477, Troy Fire Department PO Box 567, Troy Ambulance PO Box 324 Troy, ID 83871.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow and condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.com

Special Olympics - Idaho Attn: Moscow Tigers
P.O. Box 541, New Plymouth ID 83655

Troy Library
PO Box 477, Troy ID 83871
Tel: 1-208-835-4311
Email: troy@latahlibrary.org
Web: https://www.latahlibrary.org/troy/

Troy Fire Department
PO Box 567, troy ID 83871
Tel: 1-208-835-2601

Troy Ambulance
PO Box 324, Troy ID 83871
Tel: 1-208-835-2741
Email: troycityhall@troyidaho.net
Web: https://www.cityoftroy.net/fire