Esther Louise Nelson

Esther Louise Nelson, 85, passed away Oct. 22, 2025, at her home in Weiser surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness. 

 She was born July 12, 1940, to Myrtle Louise (Cole) Sinclair and Edgar CB Sinclair in Fruitland, Idaho. She was delivered at home by her grandmother, who gave her the beautiful name of Esther. 

 Her childhood was spent in Idaho and Oregon. She learned to work hard at an early age while helping to raise her three younger brothers, whom she always adored. 

 After graduating from high school in Cresswell, Ore., the family moved to Weiser where she was reacquainted with her future husband, Thomas Nelson, while ice skating on Buttermilk Slough. He had remembered her from childhood, when he thought she was the cutest little girl he had ever seen. 

 Esther and Tom were married on July 2, 1960, and began a partnership that lasted 45 years. They worked together building homes for their family, the last being in Midvale, Idaho. 

 She and Tom enjoyed going on long drives, always having a fishing pole at the ready. When they weren’t fishing, most weekends were spent playing cards with family and friends, particularly pinochle. The tradition of family game night and the memories created during those times are cherished. 

 They had six children that were taught the value of a strong work ethic and honesty. Money was often scarce, but ingenuity and creativity ensured a can-do attitude that was passed on to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

 She was a woman of many talents including gardening, canning, sewing, and grading lumber. Esther was a fastidious homemaker and a wonderful baker. She worked for many years cooking for the Weiser hospital and Senior Center. Her bread was legend and in high demand. Esther always made Christmas magical, a tradition that continues with all her children. She also passed on her love of Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves.

 After retiring, Esther traveled across the country attending grandchildren’s graduations and weddings, and enjoying spending time with her family. A major feat in each grandchild’s and great-grandchild’s life was passing her in height, a whopping five feet. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

 She is survived by her children, Janet Spratt (John) of Columbia, Ill., Lori Nelson Dyer (Tom) of Filer, Idaho, Mary Riggs (Terry) of Spring Creek, Nev., John Nelson (Marci) of Post Falls, Idaho, and Julie Nelson Klemish (Mike) of Winnemucca, Nev.; grandchildren, Jolene Taaffe, Jackie Throngard, Tyrel Dyer, Zack Dyer, Lacy Sutphin, Wyatt Dyer, Ashley Riggs, Ian Nelson, Josh Nelson, Amelia Puskash, Grace Nielsen, and Michael Klemish; brothers, George Sinclair of Weiser, Kyle Sinclair of Las Vegas, Nev., and Glenn Sinclair (Marilyn) of Fruitland, Idaho; brothers-in-law Gary Lewallen, Bob Nelson, Phil Nelson, and Will Nelson; sisters-in-law, Alice Sinclair, Greta Sinclair, Barbara Brown, Lorraine Hughes, and Jane Nelson; 18 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

 She was preceded in death by her husband Tom, beloved son Clint, grandson John Spratt Jr., sister Carol Lewallen, and brother Lyle Sinclair. 

 Graveside services will be held Nov. 9, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Payette, Idaho.