Donna Nelson's Obituary
On September 13, 2021, this earth was left with a tremendous void, while heaven gained a marvelous angel. Donna Nelson returned to her Father in Heaven after a series of strokes. Throughout her trials she remained sweet, kind and patient, never complaining, despite pain and increasing disability. Donna was born in Missoula, Montana, on October 11, 1944, to Nelda and Donald MacPherson. She grew up in Ashton, Idaho; Trona, California; and Logan, Utah. She attended Logan High School and Utah State University, majoring in dance and theatre. Donna married William (Bill) Nelson on May 7, 1970, in the Logan Temple. They had four children Marnie, Roydon, William (Aaron), and Camron. They spent three years in Panama and lived in many places in the southern U.S. before returning to Utah and eventually settling down in Cedar Hills.
Donna had an incredibly sweet and loving nature. She loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and practically perfected the art of loving others, unconditionally. She was kind, generous, and served others willingly. She held several church callings and served in those callings faithfully. She created a home filled with the love of Christ and a home that was welcoming and open to all. It was not uncommon for her or family members to bring new guests to holiday meals, especially those who had struggles or who were separated from loved ones. To know her was to love her. Donna was charismatic, classy, joyful, kind, thoughtful, vivacious, nurturing, warm and confident. She loved to have fun and make memories.
Donna was also tenacious and a hard worker. She had an array of very accomplished talents. She was an incredible singer, dancer, actress, painter, artist, calligrapher, seamstress, baker, cake decorator and cook. Her abilities weren’t limited to the finer arts. In the 1980’s, before DIY was popular, she became proficient at cosmetic home repair, wall papering, flooring installation, and gardening. Over the years, she worked in a variety of retail sales fields, from clothing to heavy road repair and trenching equipment. She owned a few small businesses, including cosmetic home repair services, a home flooring store, and mattress sales. Not one to let grass grow under her feet, she was a real estate agent as well.
Donna was a wonderful and accomplished homemaker. She was a loving wife and mother and taught her children to grow in faith in the gospel. She sacrificed much to support Bill in his career and the children in school and with any challenges that came their way. Without real effort she always left a lasting impression on people and could always be found serving others. She touched so many lives, not just those of her immediate family and extended family. She will be deeply missed by many, and we will rejoice in the future at our reunion with her.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, mother and father-in-law; several aunts and uncles; brother Brad MacPherson; grandson, Lucas Nelson; nephews, Ryan MacPherson, Chad MacPherson and Scott MacPherson; and Sister-in-law, Linda Garrett.
Donna is survived by her husband, Bill Nelson; children, Marnie (Todd) Escandon, Roydon (Rebekah) Nelson, Aaron (Shannon) Nelson, and Camron Nelson; siblings, Deborah (Brent) Buckner, Douglas (Jane) MacPherson, and Curtis (Wanda) MacPherson; grandchildren Erin Bales, Gabriel Escandon, Gabriella Nelson, McKenzie (MacKenzie) Benson, Isabelle Nelson, Lily Nelson, Kaden Nelson, Jonas Nelson, Noah Nelson and Laci Nelson; aunt, Marilyn Kidd; in-laws, Perry (Janet) Nelson, Merilee (Andy) Christensen, Al Garrett; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
A viewing will be held from 10-11 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3950 W. Cedar Hills Dr., Cedar Hills, UT 84062. The funeral will follow at 11:00.
Her graveside service and dedication will be held at 1:00 PM at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, 17111 S. 1700 W. (Camp Williams Rd.), Bluffdale, UT 84065.
For those who would like to attend but are unable, there is a link for live, unrecorded viewing. http://ch2ward.org
What’s your fondest memory of Donna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donna?
Share a story where Donna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donna you’ll never forget.
How did Donna make you smile?
