Joyce K. Nelson

Joyce K. Nelson, age 79, passed away July 31, 2025 at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth, NE.

Joyce was born to Milan and Wilda (Williamson) Nelson on May 9, 1946 at Ainsworth. She attended rural schools in Brown and Rock Counties before starting 7th grade at Bassett (NE) Elementary School. The fall after graduating from Rock County High School with the class of 1964, Joyce married Marvin Hart of Ainsworth. They had one son, Lanny Dean Hart, in 1966. After their divorce, Joyce and Lanny moved to Lincoln, NE, followed by moves to Denver CO, and Los Angeles, CA. They returned to Nebraska for a few years before settling down in Phenix City, AL with her life partner, Ron McNally. After Ron's death in 2015, Joyce moved back to their hometown of Ainsworth.

Joyce had a special love for horses and fond memories of growing up in the Sandhills helping her dad and brother care for the cattle on the ranch south of Bassett.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Milan and Wilda Nelson; infant brother, Lyle; niece, Terisa Nelson; grandparents, Hallie (Cornett) Nelson, Vic and Vera Nelson, Rueben and Alma Williamson; her life partner, Ron McNally; and most recently her Best Canine companion, Max. Joyce is survived by her son, Lanny Hart of Foley, AL; brother, Harlan (Roy) Nelson (Patty) of Ainsworth: sisters, Norma Horner (Phil) Hendersen, NV, and Joanne Laine, Lawrence, KS; and nieces and nephews: Rod and Nathan Nelson, Amy, Jared and Mandy Sanger, John and Michele McNally, Kelly McNally-Cook and their families.

A private family gathering was held Monday, August 4, 2025 at the Ainsworth Cemetery, per Joyce's request. The family kindly requests that any memorials be sent to Live-Love-Wag, 144 N. Maple, Ainsworth, NE 69210, the local pet rescue, that took loving care of Joyce’s beloved Max after she moved to the care center in March of 2023. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth assisted with arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.