LaVerne Theresia Mord Nelson, born May 30, 1919, had the distinction of being the first baby girl born in Hilmar and was the 4th child of Charles and Agnes Mord. She passed away at her home in Hughson on December 27 at the age of 98. As a child she attended Hilmar Covenant Church and Hilmar schools. After her graduation from Hilmar High she went to work in the bay area for a short time. She returned to the area and worked for Bethany Home in Turlock.  It was while working in Turlock she met her future husband Elwood Nelson. After their marriage she became a homemaker and mother of four children.  She later began working at Lela’s Smart Shop. Upon the untimely death of her husband, she attended business college and began working at Medic Alert as an engraver. She and her husband were very active members of Crossroads Free Church where LaVerne served as a deaconess, choir member, nursery worker and Pioneer Girls leader. She also devoted a lot of her time serving as a wedding hostess and a leader in the Women’s Missionary Society at the state and local levels. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, decorating, traveling and writing poetry about her experiences. She also enjoyed entertaining and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters Kathi Nelson, Annette Nelson and Myrna Runyan; daughter-in-law Adeline Nelson; four grandchildren Kim (Jeff) Grigsby, Scott Runyan, Christi Nelson and Carri (David) Shively; and five great grand-children.  LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband Elwood Nelson; son Charles Nelson; parents and siblings Lucille Mord, Weldon Mord, Everett Mord and Neomi Elmquist. Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Crossroads Church. Viewing will be held at Allen Mortuary on Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 4:00-7:00p.m.  Memorial service will be held at Crossroads Church on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 11:00a.m. Private interment. Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com