GILLETTE - Memorial services for Betty Jean Nelson, 73, will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. at the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Joseph L. Looney as officiant. Inurnment will be in Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette.

Mrs. Nelson died March 31, 1997, at Campbell County Memorial Hospital as a result of emphysema.

She was born Nov. 7, 1923, in Sheridan, to Homer Rufus and Katheryne Elizabeth (Wesmer) Troutt. She was raised and educated in Sheridan and graduated from Sheridan High School in May 1942. Shortly after high school, she moved to the Gillette area and worked as a cook for the Floyd Reno Ranch southwest of Wright for a time.

She married David Forrest "Blitz" Nelson on Aug. 13, 1944, in Broadus, Mont., and they were later divorced.

After raising the family, she began cleaning for various people and businesses in the area. She also worked at the News-Record, Gambles, in the produce department at Boyd's IGA Super Markets for many years and most recently cared for an elderly woman in Gillette.

She was a member of the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Gillette.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren and, when able, caring for her flowers.

Survivors include a son, Bill Nelson of Douglas; three daughters, Adele Elliott and Trish Spar ling, both of Gillette, and Cathy Hanes of Belle Fourche, S.D.; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two brothers, Robert M. Troutt and Harold "Bill" Troutt, both of Sheridan.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Helen Louise Nelson in infancy; a granddaughter, a brother, Elmer L. Troutt, and a sister, Pauline Troutt.

A memorial has been established in her name to benefit Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and donations may be sent in care of WilsonNoecker Funeral Home, P.O. Box 734, Gillette 82717.

Casper Star-Tribune - Apr. 3, 1997.