Edna Nelson

On June 15, 2014, the spirit of our angel mother and grandmother, Edna Myers Nelson, passed peacefully from this mortal life to be welcomed by her eternal companion, Willard Call Nelson, along with a host of family and friends, who doubtless rejoiced at her arrival into the eternal world. We also rejoice and celebrate the life of this devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Edna was born April 10, 1919, in Provo, Utah, the third of six children born to George Wesley and Edna Florence Myers, where she was raised, attended school and later settled to raise her family. She was described by her siblings as fun-loving, mischievous and friendly to everyone. She attended Provo City public schools and later studied at Brigham Young University. As a young woman she was chosen Queen of the Ward Gold and Green Ball and would later compete in the whole area and win the title of what her little sister called "Tween of Tweens!" She caught the eye of many young men, but particularly so that of a certain Willard 'Whiz' Nelson. He wrote her faithfully while attending Architectural School at the University of Michigan, hoping to keep her attention. He continued writing after enlisting in the U.S. Army for two years, while being transferred to various bases throughout the United States. Before being deployed overseas he convinced Edna to travel back to Washington D.C., where they were married on January 31, 1944, in the Washington D.C. LDS Chapel by Elder Ezra Taft Benson. Following a brief honeymoon, she boarded a train for Provo and her new husband was deployed to the Eastern Front during World War II. She faithfully awaited his return, at which time their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on January 16, 1946. They then traveled back to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Willard completed his degree. Afterward, they returned to Provo, with their first son, David.

It was in Provo that she would devote the remainder of her life to serving her church and family. She has served in many Ward and Stake callings, including Relief Society President, but always said her favorite calling was as chorister in the Primary. She loved music, singing and working with the little children. Edna and Willard served a mission together for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the French West Indies, and though she was never proficient in speaking French, she had a unique ability to teach and connect with the people and was beloved by them for her sincere efforts. Although she served willingly wherever she was called, her husband and children have been the primary beneficiaries of her dedicated love and service. She supported her husband in his occupation and the many positions of responsibility he held during his life. She excelled as a homemaker, and as an accomplished cook she published the classic "Edna's Betty Crocker Cook Book". She has been an exemplary supporter of her children and grandchildren through their myriad sports, musical and educational activities. She has never sought to bring attention to herself, but has had as her primary intent the accomplishment and success of others. In this regard, as well as in her pure desire to bring joy through music, laughter and, perhaps with the exception of her outlandish pranks, she is a true disciple of Christ.

Edna is survived by her sister, Diane (Lamar) Backus, her children, David (Sally) Nelson, Craig (Charlene) Nelson, G. Glade Nelson, Debra Ann (Randall) Cusick, Matthew (Shanna) Nelson, seventeen grandchildren and thirty-two great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 20, 2014, at 11 am at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State St., Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held Thursday, the night before, from 6 to 8 pm and on Friday morning from 9:30 to 10:45. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery.

The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff of Courtyard at Jamestown and to Bonnie Ballard, nurse for iCare Hospice, for their loving, attentive care of our mother during her final days.