Catherine (Nelson) Beard, 69 returned to her heavenly father unexpectedly on December 28, 2020.

Catherine was born on April 25, 1951 in Saint Anthony Idaho to Johnnie William Nelson and Ruby Jane Jenkins. She was the second child.

She graduated from Madison High School in 1969. She was also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars woman auxiliary.

On October 5, 1989, Catherine married her love of her life, Fredrick Kenneth Beard. They both enjoyed being out in nature camping, and spending summers in Utah together when they were younger. Or simply being with family, they did not share any kids together but had many nieces and nephews that loved them dearly.

In the late 1980's Catherine took a job for Madison School District as a school bus driver, she did many kindergarten routes and also the Madison Middle School route. She enjoyed being around the kids and being able to spread her kindness to anyone she came in contact with. She left her job for an early retirement around 2008 due to health complications.
Even with an early retirement this did not stop her, she enjoyed going on car rides and taking back roads to discover new areas or nature. When at home she loved collecting John Wayne movies and finishing the next crossword puzzle. She always made it a point to visit people in the nursing home where her husband stayed before his passing, to spread joy to other residents, or the simple neighbor down the street. She was willing to always help someone in need or be there for someone.

Catherine is survived by her niece Amy (Nelson) Carlson of Idaho Falls, a nephew Forrest Wykle of Rexburg and a handful of cousins. She is proceeded in death by Fredrick Beard, her brother Maynard Nelson, and parents Johnnie and Ruby Nelson.

There will be a viewing for all wishing to attending on January 4, 2020 at 10AM at Flamm Funeral Home. Followed by funeral services at 11AM. She will be buried at the Teton-Newdale Cemetery.

Services may be viewed at: https://youtu.be/G3Q4MCNehyw