Moneta Alwilda Ray was born on the evening of Oct. 28, 1922 on a farm in White Rock township, Smith County, Kansas, and passed away Aug. 11, 2021 at the Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center. Her parents were William C. Ray, who passed away in 1930 and Mary T. (May) Ray, who passed away in 1979.
Alwilda attended both rural and town schools and was graduated from Lebanon High School in 1941 with a Normal Training Certificate that enabled her to begin teaching school. She taught several years including White Eagle, Simmons and Lone Star.
She met Marvin Nelssen at the free picture show in Bellaire during her first term of school in 1941. Their courtship was via mail during the 3 ½ years he was in the service during World War II.
Upon his return from the service, they were married March 13, 1946 at the Methodist parsonage in Jewell. Two sons were born to this union, Ronald and Dennis.
They made their first home on Nelssen land in Washington township. After four years, they decided to relocate because of living conditions and bought a farm in Valley Township. It was during the eight years living there they became interested in dairy farming.
Marvin, Alwilda, and family moved to their present home in 1958. She was so grateful when they built their new home in 1967 and the new Grade A dairy barn in 1972. Alwilda was always a help mate with all the farm work and she enjoyed it. She and Marvin were a work team together.
Alwilda was a good homemaker, and it was always her ambition to celebrate holidays and birthdays with a feast around her table with her family that was very special to her. Cooking was not a labor for her, but a joy. Fried chicken and pies were her specialty. When she finally had time to relax, she enjoyed handwork and has made many quilts.
She belonged to the Davenport Ladies Aid and the Womer U.M.W and always interested in the community activities, having served as township trustee for several years, as well as committee woman from Pawnee Township. She loved her church family and attended church whenever possible.
Alwilda is survived by her son, Ronald and wife Jeneane of Red Cloud, Neb., son Dennis and wife Tranda of rural Smith Center, grandson Jason Nelssen and wife Cherie, granddaughter Crystal McEntee, step-grandchildren Aaron Botts, Jill Abbott, Kyle Abbott, and great-grandchildren Jordan Nelssen, Jillian Nelssen, Sebastian VanZant, Clara McEntee, step-great grandchild AJ Botts.
Also surviving are her sister, Melba Base of Sebring, Fla., and sister-in-law Mary Ray, of Denver, and other relatives and friends.