Dana Nelson

Dana Denise Nelson (Camp), 65, was called home to be with The Lord on Saturday, May 18. After a prolonged illness, she died peacefully surrounded by her family.

Dana was born on October 20, 1958, in Hobbs, New Mexico to Tommy Camp and Mona Tappan. Her family moved to the Four Corners region during her middle school years and Dana graduated from Farmington High School in 1977. Not long after, she married the love of her life and husband of forty-seven years, Joey Nelson.

An amazing woman to all that knew her, she was most proud of being a wife, mom, teacher, and her greatest blessing was being called Nana. Dana was the epitome of class and grace whose life was a tapestry of devotion and service, woven with threads of love, kindness, and faith. From an early age, Dana wanted to teach and give back to her community. She was a kindergarten and first grade teacher for 25 years at Ruth N. Bond Elementary School in Kirtland where she positively impacted countless lives.

While Dana was compassionate to all that she encountered, her greatest joy was spending time with her family whether it was camping, planning and attending family get-togethers, attending and watching her grandkids' sporting events and dance competitions.

Dana is preceded in death by her brother Grant Camp. Dana is survived by her parents Mona Tappan and Tommy Camp; sister Lori Dame (David); soulmate Joey Nelson and their children Angela Slone (Jeremy), Lyndsae Nelson, Jessica Reynolds (Greg), and Ryan Nelson; and grandchildren Ryleigh, Chance, Parker and Payton.

Her celebration of life will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Kirtland Baptist Church; 17 Road 6500 with burial at the Kirtland Cemetery to follow. In honor of Dana's life, the family asks that you hug your Mom a little tighter and tell her how much you love her.