I thank you who responded.  The N7 is just like it came from the factory except for the few Apps I installed for my wife.  It is now functioning correctly thanks to the observation that the down volume key was stuck.  She had noticed the volume was full.  When I removed the device from the case and rebooted it, the safe mode was gone.  Put it back in the case to verify, and safe mode returned.  Wife is thrilled now which means I am thrilled also.  I have a new hero to look up to.  THANK YOU!

Now to find another case.  Lol.