Delona Jean Nelson, lifelong resident of Aberdeen, Washington, passed away Dec. 1, 2022, at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland with her son by her side. She was 73. Delona died from a short-term battle with dementia. Delona was born March 11, 1949, to parents Harold and Lorretta Krogstadt. In her earlier years, she attended Aberdeen School District and later attended Vancouver Deaf School. In 1966, she married Rick A Jenkins of Westport and had one son, Rick H Jenkins. In 1982, Delona married Toby Nelson of Montesano, Washington.
Delona became a widow in 1985 and then devoted her life to babysitting two generations of her family’s children full time. Delona had her driver’s license, but chose to use her bike for transportation all over the Grays Harbor area, no matter the weather, her faithful companion, her Dog Prince Baby Road with her in the basket of her bike for many years.
At 73 years old, still riding her bike, she said it kept her in good shape.
Delona was very social and loved all people, who came in her way. No one was a stranger. Delona was a very dedicated friend and community member — always appreciative and loved to make others laugh and feel good. She was a big teaser and loved to joke with others.
Delona loved to be involved and attended many Grays Harbor events. In 1998, when the Hoquiam YMCA opened, she was there for the grand opening and almost every day thereafter until the COVID-19 pandemic shut down. The YMCA is where she met so many of her friends. Several generations of family have fond memories of swimming with her at the YMCA when they were growing up. She had a passion for music and dancing. The Eagles and Elks of Hoquiam and Aberdeen were her favorite places to attend dances.
Delona’s neighbor shared fun memories of her always being on the go and always giving the kids in the neighborhood treats. Family members also have memories of her sneaking them candy when they were kids. Another one of Delona’s favorite pastimes was eating at her favorite restaurants, Casa Mia (shrimp salad, roll and ice cream.); Hoquiam McDonalds (chicken burger, fries, plain sundae and two chocolate chip cookies) and Duffy’s (spaghetti) She always stuck with her favorites!
Delona was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Lorretta Krogstadt; husband Toby Nelson; sister, Lorretta Freeman; sister, Linda Allen; brother Harold Krogstadt Jr. and brother Jerold Krogstadt.
She is survived by her son Rick H. Jenkins, her dog, Prince Baby and many nieces and nephews and great- niecesand nephews
Special thanks to Delaina Moore for adopting Prince Baby and your sincere support, Jeff Salstrom for your patience and safety efforts, Meals on Wheels for promptly providing meals, Grays Harbor Community Hospital Staff for your special caring, Clean Hearts Assistant Living in Mill Creek for welcoming Living space and Loving Care and James Bergsma for being a good neighbor. Thanks to all Delona’s family and friends for being helpful, loving and caring, especially Brenda Sansom, the matriarch of the family.
