Pauline "Polly" Rosella Nelson

Pauline (Polly) Rosella (Steenson/Melton) Nelson passed away on January 14, 2025. Born in 1922 (along with her twin sister) in Barnes, Kansas, Polly lived a long and productive life. In 1940, Pauline married Clarence Melton and they had 3 boys, Don, Jim, and Larry. Pauline married Virgil Nelson in 1971 and they farmed berries in Eagle Creek, OR until their retirement in the mid-1980’s. They sold the farm and moved to Estacada in 2005.

In addition to life on the berry farm, Pauline enjoyed gardening and always loved tending to her flowers. Pauline and husband, Virgil, often went dancing and enjoyed traveling together after retirement. 

Pauline will be remembered for her Christmas cookie trays, holiday meals and her hand work, she was always stitching aprons, afghans, quilts and dishtowels. She passed her hand work skills on to several granddaughters.

Throughout her lifetime, Pauline was active in the Elks and the Rebekah’s Lodges. She was also an active member of the Eagle Creek Presbyterian Church, where she was part of the Ladie’s Aide Society and helped with dinners and bazaars.

Pauline is proceeded in death by her parents, 8 siblings, 2 sons (Jim and Larry), 1 granddaughter and her husband. She is survived by a son (Don), 2 step-daughters (Barbara and Bonnie), 4 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 6 step-great grandchildren, 4 great, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express appreciation to Mt. Hood Hospice and caregivers, Lucian and Rhodie of Daphne Adult Care Home. The care provided to Pauline was exceptional and we are grateful for that.

Services will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Estacada Funeral Chapel. The viewing will be held at the Funeral Chapel beginning at 11:00 am. She will be privately interned at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham, Oregon. 

In lieu of flowers, make donations to Mt. Hood Hospice or Eagle Creek Presbyterian Church.