EmaLeigh A. Nelson, 25, of Washta passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at USD Sanford Medical Center.
Private family memorial services will be held with burial in Grandview Cemetery at Quimby. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to them for a future project in EmaLeigh's honor.
Born a preemie, six weeks early, EmaLeigh came into this world fighting. Her mother, Amber, named her after the important women in her life. She attended River Valley Schools, participating in speech, drama, playing the flute in the band and 4-H. She was especially proud to have been adopted by her father, Tim, on Oct. 11, 2011. She graduated from River Valley High School in 2019. She worked for five years as a paraeducator in the River Valley School District, as a housekeeper at Accura Nursing Home, the Hy-Vee Deli, Shopko and Dollar Tree.
She was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Quimby.
EmaLeigh had a quiet spirit and gentle soul that touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her. Though shy by nature, she loved deeply and wholeheartedly. She especially treasured buying Christmas gifts for family and friends, carefully choosing each one with thought and love. Halloween was one of her favorite times of year, enjoying haunted houses and spooky movies, and the simple magic of the season.
A true mama's girl, EmaLeigh shared a bond with her mother and grandma Kathy, that was filled with love, comfort and unwavering devotion. Family meant everything to her, and she found her greatest joy in spending time with them.
She also adored her beloved cat, Hazel, who brought her comfort, companionship and peace through life’s quiet moments. In between those quiet moments, she loved bantering with her dad, Tim, spending time cooking and baking for those she loved, watching Bridgerton, listening to music, creating beautiful diamond paintings and bird watching — especially cardinals, which held a special meaning in her heart and brought her comfort and hope.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Tom and Kathy Fick; and great-grandparents: Marlene and Harvey Fick and Dave and Maurine Powell.
EmaLeigh will be forever missed by her parents, Amber and Tim Nelson of Quimby; uncles: “her boys” Andy Fick and Rob Sietsema of Sioux Falls, S.D.; grandma Priscilla Nelson of Quimby; the love of her life, Kain Nelson of Cherokee; her beloved cat Hazel; great-aunts and uncles: Karen and Greg Ebersole of Storm Lake; Kandice and Bob Herron of Quimby; Kelley and Mike Ellis of Meriden; Ron and Phyllis Fick of Paton; Marcia and John Smith of Aurelia; many cousins and friends.
