Glenda F. Rogers Nelson, 85, of Safford, Arizona, passed away peacefully at her home on June 8, 2026.
Glenda was born on March 27, 1941, in Santa Rita, New Mexico, to Lee and Ula Rogers. She was the youngest and last surviving member of a remarkable family rooted in love, strength, and deep connection. She married Jerry Nelson on February 12, 1960.
She was preceded in death by her cherished parents, her husband, Jerry Nelson, and nine brothers: Ronnie, Joel, A.C., Leonard, Bob, Randall, Larry, Donald, and Lester; and three sisters, Gladys Hill, Lu Montano, and Bly Burch. Throughout her life, she carried their memory close to her heart and deeply treasured the bond they all shared. Glenda graduated from Cobre High School in 1958.
Glenda found joy in life's simple and beautiful moments. She loved painting, decorating cakes, and watching birds—taking special delight in learning the names and habits of each one she fed from her back porch while enjoying her morning coffee. These quiet, peaceful moments brought her great happiness.
Above all, Glenda's greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Her home was always full of warmth, laughter, and love. It was a rare evening that passed without an extra place set at the table, where someone would stop in to share a meal, visit, have a cup of coffee, and most often laugh. Glenda had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome and cared for, and the memories created in her home will be cherished forever.
Glenda will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, generous spirit, and her unwavering love for her family. Though she was the last of her generation, the legacy of love, connection, and togetherness she carried forward lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Her family finds comfort in imagining her reunited with her beloved husband, Jerry, who was truly her best friend. One of Glenda's greatest joys was dancing with him, and we take peace in knowing they are together again—dancing to a Don Williams song somewhere in Heaven, holding each other close and sharing the love they carried in their hearts until they could be reunited. She missed him deeply.
Glenda is survived by her sister-in-law, Judy Rogers, and her loving children, Mike; Jo Ann Gutierrez (Tony); and Ronnie (Gail). She held a special place in her heart for her niece, Tracy, and her dear friend, Mariah. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Mikey N (Chelsea), Ryan (Quincy), Valeri, Matthew (Claudia), Dylan, Aiden, Asia, Neysa, Madelynne (James), Gabe, and Mackenna, as well as six great-grandchildren who brought her great pride and joy.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and joyfully remembered.
