Nelle Wilson Reagan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nelle Wilson Reagan
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Nelle Reagan with her son Ronald, 1950
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Nelle Clyde Wilson
July 24, 1883 Fulton, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | July 25, 1962 (aged 79) Santa Monica, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Calvary Cemetery, East Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
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Nelle Clyde Wilson Reagan was the mother of Ronald Reagan, who later became a President of the United States. She was born on July 24, 1883, and passed away on July 25, 1962. Her other son was Neil Reagan.
Nelle's Early Life
Nelle Clyde Wilson was born in Fulton, Illinois, on July 24, 1883. She was the oldest of seven children. Her father, Thomas Wilson, had Scottish family roots. Her mother, Mary Ann, was from England.
Nelle met Jack Reagan in a small farm town in Illinois. They were married in Fulton in November 1904. They had two sons: Neil "Moon" Reagan and Ronald Wilson Reagan. After Ronald was born, Nelle was advised not to have more children. The Reagan family moved often to different towns in Illinois, including Chicago. This was because of Jack's work.
Her Work with the Church
Ronald Reagan once wrote that his mother "always expected to find the best in people." Nelle was very active in her church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She often led Sunday school lessons and read from the Bible during services.
Nelle strongly believed in the power of prayer. She led prayer meetings at church. She also took charge of mid-week prayers when the pastor was away. Her deep commitment to her faith influenced her son Ronald. It led him to become a Protestant Christian, unlike his father who was Roman Catholic.
Besides her church work, Nelle also enjoyed acting in plays. A newspaper review from 1926 praised her acting. It said, "Mrs. Reagan is one of Dixon's favorite readers and has appeared before many audiences, always greatly pleasing them."
Later Years and Passing
In 1938, both of Nelle's sons, Neil and Ronald, had moved to California. Ronald bought his parents a new home in Hollywood. This was the first home they had ever owned.
Nelle's life changed after her husband Jack passed away on May 18, 1941. She became a widow. She kept her connections to her church in Dixon. She also started working at a hospital for people with tuberculosis in Southern California. In her later years, Nelle faced health problems. She developed senility, which was later diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease. She once said about her illness, "I just kept my mind on God." Nelle passed away on July 25, 1962. She died from complications of the disease, one day after her 79th birthday.
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