Mihoko Nelsen Obituary (1947 - 2018)

Mihoko Nelsen, 70, of Middleton, Idaho passed away on August 11, 2018, near Baker City, Oregon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel. William Jeff Watts (Bill) was born on April 3, 1941 in Pasadena, CA. Bill lived in the Los Angeles area his whole life until 4 years ago when he and his wife, Mihoko Nelsen, MD moved to Idaho. He was a commercial kitchen designer with his own business for 50 years. At the time of his death he was still working but had discovered a new passion for flying. Bill was very proud of earning his private pilot's license at exactly 100 flight hours and loved his Mooney plane. Some of his favorite activities were flying his plane, dining with friends, visiting with everyone he met, texting his son-in-law every morning (literally!), traveling with his beloved bride, USC football, fast cars, fishing, and caring for the ducks, geese (Alpha & Bravo), and cats. Mihoko was born December 10, 1947 in Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Mihoko moved to the United States 50 years ago. She graduated from USC medical school 40 years ago and lived in the Los Angeles area until she moved to Idaho with Bill. She was a sought after neurologist and retired in October 2017. She had a passion for learning. She particularly enjoyed researching how food affects the body. She never hesitated to tell people to avoid gluten! She was devoted to Bill, her many friends, and her extensive garden. She had an amazing ability to remember everything about all the many people she met. Some of her favorite activities were flying with Bill, dining with friends, gardening, keeping Bill healthy, learning how to heal the body naturally, golf, and carrying for those ducks, geese and cats. Memorial contributions are welcome and should be donated to Mooney Summit Inc., Bill Gilliland Foundation at www.mooneysummit.com on their behalf.