Nelta Isabelle Harder

Nelta Isabelle Harder, age 86, of Emporia, passed away at her son Daniel (Rhonda) Harder's home on Friday, May 23, 2025, surrounded by family.

Nelta, also fondly known as the "cinnamon roll lady" was born in Newton on March 12, 1939, the daughter of Howard and Josephine (Seeney) Britton.  She married (P.T.) Percy Thomas Harder on April 12, 1969.  He passed away on July 15, 1995.

She is survived by her brother; David (Bea) Britton, Bellevue, NE; son, Daniel (Rhonda) Harder, Cottonwood Falls; daughter, Diana Dollar, Salina; Step-daughter, Susie (Mick) Gerard, Pensacola, Fl; grandchildren, Thomas (Amanda) Harder, Dow (Summer) Leeds, Sammie (Levi) Stephens, Jamie (Sheldon) Harshman, Cory McDaniel, Richard Allen McDaniel, and Daniel McDaniel.  Step-grandchildren, Jonathan Gerard, Heather (Wayne) Moore, Celia (Tyler) Caranci, and 9 great grandchildren, 9 step-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers; Leroy and Raymond, sisters; Janie and Linda, stepdaughter Terri, and step-grandson Jamie.

Nelta worked at Dolly Madison and retired and then went on to work at Walmart as a cashier before retiring from there in 2014.  She could also always be found working a second job at places such as Fred's Derby, PJ's Ice Cream, Bad Ol' Berns, and Griff's Diner just to name a few.  In recent years, she made relishes, jellies, and cinnamon rolls for Do-B's and Griff's Diner.  She could always be found in her kitchen baking or cooking and selling or giving away her food to people everywhere.

Nelta loved everyone she met and did not know a stranger.  She was on a bowling team for many years until her health did not allow.  She was a member of the Motor Maids and loved riding her Harley Davidson all across the country.  She even rode her Harley to Sturgis one year and to California another year where she met Harley Davidson himself.  She was especially proud of her 100th anniversary soft tail Harley Davidson bike that won best of show several times.  In recent years, she enjoyed going to coffee with her friends, crafting, and going to the Olpe Chicken House nearly every week with a dear friend.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 10:30 am at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home followed by burial at Sunnyside Cemetery, 400 Road 310, Council Grove.  Memorial contributions to the Bushong Veterans Memorial Fund can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.