Carolyn Nelson

Carolyn June Bunce Nelson passed away May 17, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones. Carolyn was born October 6, 1943 to Stanley and Helen Bunce. She was the middle child of five children with two older brothers, Morris Bunce and Jay Bunce and two younger sisters, Kay Bunce FitzSimmons and Martha Bunce Bowman. She was raised in Pocatello, graduating from Pocatello High School in 1962. As a child, Carolyn spent many trips camping on the Lost River with her very large and extended family. She loved the outdoors and was known to pack out wood from a wood cutting trip faster than anyone. She was well known for shooting a shotgun better than most men. She had a love for animals; especially dogs. She loved her little dog Missy who was her constant companion and sidekick in her last few years.

Carolyn married Tony Crawford in 1962 and later divorced. While married, they were blessed with three children, Carrie Jo, Troy, and Dwayne Crawford. She later married Merlin D. Nelson in 1991 and lived a beautiful life together until his passing in 2016. Carolyn’s greatest treasures are her grandchildren: Jason Churba, Zach Churba, Morgan Churba, Rose and Chanse Forrest, Sophia Churba, Landon Crawford, and Cody and Kaylena Crawford. Her greatest blessing was being a great grandma, or GiGi as she was called, to little Macraie Forrest or Mac-e-doo as she lovingly called him. She made no bones about telling you who her favorite was! Carolyn took pride in all her children and grandchildren‘s accomplishments and attended many of their activities and events over the years. Nothing brought her more joy or happiness than spending time with her family.

Carolyn is survived by her children and their spouses, Kurt and Carrie Churba, Troy and Amy Crawford, her grandchildren, her great grandbaby, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her youngest son Dwayne, her husband Merlin, her youngest sister Martha and her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, June 4 at 11 AM at Christ’s Love Vineyard Church – 415 S. 2nd Ave. in Pocatello.

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