Sharron Christine Nelson, 71, of Irving, died on Thursday, June 26, 2025, peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Cremation rites have been chosen by the family in accordance with her wishes. A celebration of life will be held at a date yet determined. The family has entrusted Dean Funeral Home with the arrangements.
Ms. Nelson was born on June 25, 1954, in Iron Mountain, MI, to Jack Bethel and Marian Christine (Norgren) Waddell. As a daughter of a military father, she moved frequently in her early years, but her family finally settled in Vandalia, where she attended school and started to put down roots. Ms. Nelson was a devoted mother of four and spent many years as a homemaker before working as a clerk at U.J’s convenience store. She shared her life for over 30 years with her love, Mike Hoover, who survives her.
She was known for her strong will, fierce independence, and unwavering honesty. Opinionated and open-minded, Ms. Nelson had a deep sense of justice, and was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in. Her family lovingly described her as “hard-headed Swede.”
Ms. Nelson was a member of the Irving Methodist Church. She found joy in simple pleasures: tending to her flower garden, watching birds, riding motorcycles, and relaxing at Fillmore Lake while camping with loved ones. She had a soft spot for her favorite feline, Smoke, and was always ready to listen to good music, have good conversation and an ice-cold beer.
Ms. Nelson was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Marian; grandson, Hunter Nall; brother, Jack Waddell; and nieces, Jaqualine and Felicia.
She is survived by her longtime love, Mike Hoover of Irving; sons, Robert Nall of St. Elmo and Judd (Ashley) Nelson of Rio Rancho, NM; daughters, Lisa (Scott) Saunders of Ramsey and Crystal (Tom) Fields of Centralia; grandchildren, Heaven (Jake) Harris, Heather (Jay) Hinton, Hillary Saunders, John (Arianah) Saunders, Alvin Saunders, Brandon (Crystal) Blackburn, Liea Blackburn, Summer Fields, TJ Fields and Jack Nall; and nine great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in Ms. Nelson’s honor may be made to: Irving Methodist Church, 124 Spruce Street, Irving, Illinois, 62051.
