Belva (Goad) NelsonLongtime Ellensburg resident Belva J. Nelson died peacefully on October 24, 2015 at the age of 88. Belva was born on June 24, 1927 in Tecumseh, NB to Thomas and Lillie (Sargent ) Goad, the 3rd of 7 children. In the early 1930s the family moved to Sheridan, Wyoming where she attended school, excelling at math and spelling. In 1943 the family moved to Ellensburg where Belva graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1944 at the age of 16. She often recalled how the students gave up their PE period to roll bandages for American Servicemen wounded during WWII.After graduation she worked at KCDA in Ellensburg. It was during that time she met the love of her life, George Nelson after he returned from his Navy service during WWII. They were married on July 8, 1947.Belva worked in the utility billing department for the City of Ellensburg for many years where she met Melba (White) Tomchick and the two remained friends for life.In 1966 George and Belva purchased the Robbins Apts. as the first of many rental properties. They were a wonderful team. In 1970 they purchased the Rainbow Motel which they operated until their retirement in 1990.The next 5 years were spent in their home on Willett Rd, enjoying time with family. They purchased a motorhome and boat and enjoyed many trips to Twin Lakes on the Colville Reservation.In 1995 George was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and passed away in April 1996 after a hard fought battle.Belva was an avid Seahawks fan for many years until the first real signs of dementia appeared in 2007. She was able to stay in her own home with help until 2010 when physical and memory problems made it impossible. After a brief stay at Dry Creek Assisted Living she spent her remaining years at Royal Vista and later Prestige Care.She was preceded in death by her husband, George, sisters Bonnie Marsh and Betty Jean Wells, and brothers Charles and Walter Goad. She is survived by son Jim Nelson, daughter Virginia (Don) Aden, grandson Jeffrey Bintliff, great-grandson Skyler Bintliff, sister Laurie (Tony) Wilson of Federal Way, brother Bob (Linda) Goad of Kent and many nieces and nephews.At Belva's request there will be no formal service. Her family wishes to thank the many dedicated people of Royal Vista and Prestige for their TLC while Belva was a resident.Memorial suggestions in lieu of flowers are Kittitas Valley Friends of Hospice & Kittitas Valley Friends of Animals.