LaDonna Lea Nelson, was born on August 13, 1935 at Ellsworth Hospital, Ellsworth, Ks. Her parents were Daniel Otto and Mildred Bernice (Mason) Trapp. She grew up on the family farm just southeast of Sylvan Grove. She attended Oak Creek country school, Bethlehem Lutheran school and graduated from Sylvan Grove High School in 1954. While in junior high , she met who was to be her husband, soul-mate and the love of her life, Larry R. Nelson. They dated throughout high school and were married on August 29, 1954, at the Bethleham Lutheran Church in Sylvan Grove. From this blessed union, two children were born; Deborah Lea (Nelson) Thomas(1956) and Douglas Ray Nelson (1959). LaDonna's adult life reflected the work ethic and "family first" values that were instilled in her. While attending to her young children after settling on the Nelson family farm, she somehow managed to feed wheat harvesters, run a combine, feed various kinds of livestock and sew everything from children's clothes on up through prom dresses and wedding suits, among countless other things. During all of the love, devotion and time required to be a mother and help-mate to her husband, she also commuted to Marymount College in Salina, to complete her Elementary Education degree. She was a grade school teacher at USD 298 in Lincoln for many years and then, some years later pursued and was awarded her Master of Science degree in Library Science from Fort Hays State University. Her total years in the education field were 32. Through the years, she also continued to be active in the Sylvan Lions Club, The Presbyterian Church and especially the Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest.
Survivors: husband Larry R. Nelson of the home
Daughter: Deborah L. Thomas of Sylvan Grove
Son: Douglas R. (Julie) Nelson of Independence , Mo.
Sister-in-law: Jane Ann (Dennis) Dreiling
Five grandchildren- two great-grandchildren- two step-grand-children, Odessa, Mo.
Many other relatives and friends

Visitation was 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 4, 2018 followed by funeral services at 10:30 a.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Sylvan Grove. Following the interment proceedings at the Sylvan Cemetery, everyone was encouraged to proceed to the Vesper Men's Club to celebrate LaDonna's life with music. Everyone was encouraged to bring their instruments, voices and favorite songs to the event to honor LaDonna and her life! Until the Resurrection, mom! We love you so much!