Glenna Nelson

Glenna June May Allen Nelson, 98, of Rockland, Idaho, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025. Born to Agnes Louise Lee and Joseph Eugene May, Glenna lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and service. On September 13, 1942, she married Harold Clarence Allen (sealed: October 8, 1948, in the Logan Temple), with whom she lovingly raised five children: Kathy June Allen Hale, Richard Dean Allen, Shirley Jean Allen Udy, Charles Dennis Allen, and Jeffery David Allen. After Harold’s passing on October 20, 1962, Glenna married Clifford Eugene Nelson on February 15, 1963. Through this union, she became the loving stepmother of Clifford Eugene Nelson Jr. (Sonny), Jeannine Nelson Seamons, and Edward Eugene Nelson, and together, they welcomed their son James Anthony Nelson.

Glenna’s deep and abiding testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shaped every aspect of her life. She served faithfully in many capacities, teaching in Primary, Cub Scouts, Young Women’s, and Relief Society. Glenna prepared countless talks for her children to share at church, worked in the church’s canning kitchen, and served two proselytizing missions: first in the Texarkana, Texas Mission, and later in the American Falls Stake alongside her husband Clifford. She exemplified Christlike love through her outreach, making everyone she encountered feel valued and cared for.

A gifted musician, Glenna’s love for music shone brightly from her childhood. She began singing in parts during fourth grade and joined the Rockland Ward Choir in sixth grade. Over the years, she performed solos, including "The Star-Spangled Banner," and sang in trios with Katheren Nelson, her sister Mary Reed, Glendora Halling, and Maya Muir, nearly always accompanied by her sister-in-law Anna May. Glenna sang at funerals, graduations, women’s choirs, quartets, sextets, and even in the Salt Lake Tabernacle at Relief Society General Conference. She was a remarkable conductor, leading boys’ and girls’ choirs, Mutual choirs, and the Rockland Ward Choir, which she guided in performing Handel’s Messiah as well as many other cherished works.

As the youngest of eight siblings—two brothers and six sisters—Glenna treasured her family deeply. She fondly recalled the privilege of growing up with incredible siblings, though her father had hoped for a son to help with farm work. Glenna eagerly took on this role, donning overalls and boots and working alongside the men in the fields. Her father taught her to identify nuts, bolts and the tools used to maintain their farm equipment. Her duties included driving tractor, listening for equipment irregularities, and ensuring the combine operated smoothly. Glenna remembered coming home completely dust-covered from a day of farm work, embodying resilience and dedication.

One poignant memory was when her father took her to American Falls to buy new shoes. It was then that she noticed her worn-out footwear for the first time (toes out at the seams and straw along with her heels poking out the back of her shoes), realizing the necessity of her hard work and her father’s quiet care.

Glenna was preceded in death by both parents, two husbands, all seven of her siblings, three children; Kathy Hale, Richard Allen, James Nelson; 2 stepchildren, Jeannie Seamons, Ed Nelson, and two grandchildren.

Glenna is survived by four of her nine children; Shirley Udy (George), Dennis Allen (Elizabeth), Jeff Allen (Tammy), Cliff Nelson (Debbie), 49 grandchildren, 112 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren. She was also a beloved aunt to countless nieces and nephews. Known for her warmth and friendliness, Glenna loved meeting and greeting everyone she encountered. Her affection for others was reciprocated, with many traveling far to visit her and bask in her joyous presence.

A visitation will be from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 405 E Shoshone St, Rockland, Idaho. The funeral will follow beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Valley View Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to share condolences, memories, photos, by visiting DavisRoseMortuary.com.