Glenna June May Allen Nelson
May 27, 1926 – April 29, 2025
Glenna June May Allen Nelson, 98, of Rockland, Idaho, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025. Born on May 27, 1926, to Agnes Louise Lee and Joseph Eugene May, Glenna lived a life marked by deep faith, service, music, and love for family.
On September 13, 1942, she married Harold Clarence Allen, and on October 8, 1948, they were sealed in the Logan Utah Temple. Together, they lovingly raised five children: Kathy June Allen Hale, Richard Dean Allen, Shirley Jean Allen Udy, Charles Dennis Allen, and Jeffery David Allen. After Harold’s passing in 1962, Glenna married Clifford Eugene Nelson on February 15, 1963. Through this union, she became stepmother to Clifford Eugene Nelson Jr. (Sonny), Jeannine Nelson Seamons, and Edward Eugene Nelson, and welcomed their son, James Anthony Nelson.
Glenna’s unwavering testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored gospel in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shaped her life and legacy. She served faithfully in Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, Cub Scouts, and many other callings. She wrote countless talks for her children to give in church, volunteered in the church’s canning kitchen, and served two missions—one in Texarkana, Texas, and one in the American Falls Stake with Clifford. Her love for others radiated in every act of service.
A gifted musician, Glenna’s voice and musical leadership became a blessing to many. She began singing in harmony in fourth grade and joined the Rockland Ward Choir in sixth. She performed solos such as "The Star-Spangled Banner", and often sang in trios and groups with Katheren Nelson, her sister Mary Reed, Glendora Halling, and Maya Muir, often accompanied by her sister-in-law Anna May. Glenna shared her talent at funerals, graduations, Relief Society General Conference in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, and many community events. She was a beloved conductor of boys’ choirs, Mutual choirs, and the Rockland Ward Choir, which she led in productions of Handel’s Messiah and many sacred works.
As the youngest of eight siblings—two brothers and six sisters—Glenna cherished her family deeply. Though her father had hoped for another son to help on the farm, Glenna eagerly rose to the task. She wore overalls, drove tractors, learned mechanical repairs, and worked the fields with determination and joy. She often recounted the memory of a trip to American Falls where her father bought her new shoes—only then did she realize how worn her old pair had become, a tender moment that revealed his quiet care and the sacrifices they shared.
Glenna was preceded in death by both parents, both of her husbands, all seven siblings, three children (Kathy Hale, Richard Allen, James Nelson), two stepchildren (Jeannie Seamons, Ed Nelson), and two grandchildren.
She is survived by four of her nine children: Shirley Udy (George), Dennis Allen (Elizabeth), Jeff Allen (Tammy), Cliff Nelson (Debbie); 49 grandchildren, 112 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren. She was also a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews. Glenna was known for her open heart and joyful spirit. She delighted in greeting others with warmth, and friends and family often traveled long distances just to sit with her and share in her light.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 405 E Shoshone St, Rockland, Idaho. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m.. Interment will take place at Valley View Cemetery.
To share condolences, photos, and memories, please visit DavisRoseMortuary.com.
Glenna's enduring faith, kindness, and music will echo across generations. Her legacy is one of joy, devotion, and Christlike love.
