Grandma and Grandpa Nelson

In the month of July, my beautiful, talented, loving Grandma Nelson passed away. She had fallen in December of 2013 and her body and soul never recovered.

My Grandpa Nelson passed away in September of 2009 of cancer. He ways a wonderful man.

I was so blessed to have these two amazing people as my grandparents.

I loved when they came to visit me when I was a child. I could tell that I was loved by them. Both of them made me feel important.

My grandpa had a great smile and a fun sense of humor. I loved when he would tell stories from his past and his eyes would sparkle with excitement. One of the jokes I remember him telling was about cemeteries. As we would drive by a cemetery, he would say, " People are just DYING to get in there."

Another thing I remember about my grandpa is that he loved a good steak and the rarer the better. His response when asked how red he wanted the steak was that he wanted people to guess if they needed the vet to come back and check and see if the cow was still alive.

While I lived in Utah, before I moved out to Memphis, I drove my grandpa from my parents house to mine so he would be able to  watch a football game. During the drive, it was just me and him and I loved it. He talked to me about things I was interested in.  He talked to me about dance and my kids. He made me feel loved and important. My grandpa always did that when he talked to me, he made me feel loved.

My grandpa was an avid sports fan. He loved a good sports game. In fact, he coached basketball and taught school for a living.  The college in Grand Junction, Colorado named their court after my grandpa since he was such a wonderful man and a great coach.  I was fortunate to visit the court with my grandpa shortly before he passed away.

One of the conversations that I had with my grandpa during the year before he died has stayed with me. He encouraged me to stay healthy and to keep my body in the best shape it can be. At that time, I was not at a healthy point in my life and I have made adjustments to follow his example and words.  In fact, every time I run a 5k, I imagine my grandpa there, cheering me on.  

I was asked to speak at my grandma's funeral in July. Below is what I said during my talk. I feel like it describes my thoughts and feelings for my beloved grandma.

I was asked to represent Sarah’s children in their memories of our wonderful grandma, Marie Nelson:

One thing that I love and will always remember about my grandma was her positive, cheerful and vibrant personality.  Grandma had a beautiful smile, and unfailing laughter. She was a good person who was full of concern for others.   She loved the color red, birdhouses, good books and her Pepsi.  I always knew that when I found a pack of Pepsi in the fridge it meant that grandma and grandpa were coming to visit.

Even though my grandparents lived in a different state then I and my family did during my growing up years, they still made time to come and support us in various events. My mom has often told me of how on the day I was born, grandma and Nate came out for the day, saw me, brought me a beautiful dress and then turned around and went home.    I remember my grandparents coming to cheer me on in my dance concerts, and at sporting events of my siblings.

As it has been stated before, my grandma was a brilliant and truly talented teacher. She was a teacher all her life. Just a couple of years ago, grandma was staying with my family and I for Christmas.  One night, as everyone was playing and having a great time around the house, my oldest son, Hyrum and grandma were seated at the table where Hyrum was having a private tutoring session on writing from grandma. 

After a few writing tips, Hyrum was instructed to write a short story and later share it with grandma.  When grandma graded Hyrum story, with her dramatic flair, she proceeded to write many A+ in succession on his paper. Hyrum got a bigger smile on his face with each additional + that was added to his paper.  Grandma made Hyrum feel like he was the best writer in the world.  Whenever Hyrum talks about grandma, he always mentions this story with delight. 

One of the mental pictures I will treasure in my mind is on the day I got married.  During the marriage ceremony, I caught a glimpse of my grandma. She had the biggest smile on her face and I knew that she was proud of me and excited for me to take this next step in my life. 

A person cannot talk about my grandma without mentioning my grandpa. Wayne and Marie were a dynamic duo.  They complimented each other.  My last memory of my grandparents includes them trying to figure out how to turn off the alarm clock and then as they were taking my grandpa to Texas for treatment, of their tenderness and love which was displayed for each other as they said good-bye.   They loved each other deeply to the very end.

When I asked my sister Camille for her input on what to say about Grandma, she said:

To me, Grandma is a collection of meaningful memories that have been pieced together to create a loving bond that I cherish.
The smell of her lotion
Listening to her many stories, always told with plenty of expression (One of my favorite stories of hers was when she couldn’t find a swimming suit and had to use towels to fashion one to wear on the beach)
Her countless book recommendations
On the sidelines of my soccer games, even if it meant wrapped up in a bundle of blankets
Watching chick flicks together
Enstrom's toffee
Adventurous shopping trips, trying to stop her from making too many and often wild purchases
Her soft skin
Seeing her and grandpa and their tender interactions with each other
Reading books in bed together until we both fall asleep
Talking for hours about anything and everything
Every note and card signed with her signature hearts and xoxo
Genuinely interested in your life, the joys, sorrows and everything in between
A friend to confide in
Knowing that to her you are the most important person in the world and she always made you feel special

My brother, Sean, and I also agree with that last statement. That grandma made each of us feel that we were the most important person in the world and made us feel special.

 Grandma holding Emmy

 Grandma holding Lucy

 

When I was a young girl, I remember being very sad one night. I was crying and very lonely.    I decided to pour out my desperation in prayer. As I was praying and sharing my heartache, the thought came to me that not only did my Heavenly Father love me without question, that my Grandma Nelson loved me too.  Such thoughts comforted my young self because grandma had shown her love for me and through her actions and words many times over so I knew that the statement, that my grandma loved me was true.

I truly feel grateful for the many memories of my grandma’s life and teachings that inspire me to live in a way that bring honor to her legacy and to her name.  My grandma was a remarkable woman and I am forever grateful that she was my grandma. 

I am grateful for the knowledge that along with my beautiful grandma, my grandpa, Uncle Nate and others who have passed on that we will see them again.

In the name of Jesus Christ , Amen. 

Below are pictures of me with my cousins on my mother's side.  It was great to spend time with them and celebrate the life and legacy of a wonderful woman.

Wayne Woodward Nelson July 30, 1924 - September 26, 2009 Wayne Nelson was born in Tooele, Utah on July 30, 1924 to loving parents, the second child of John Rollin and Amanda Nelson. He was adored by his grandmothers, Eliza Nelson, of Tooele, and Emelia Osterberg, of Grantsville, Utah. He grew up in a close-knit family, with siblings, Russell, Johnny (Bernadine), Betty (Bert) Ogden, and Corinne (Earl) Wunderli. He lived and attended schools in Tooele, Erda, and Grantsville. Wayne attended Grantsville High School and was student body president his senior year. He played basketball, football, and tennis while attending Grantsville High School and was captain of the basketball team his senior year. After his high school graduation he went to the AC (Agriculture College) in Logan, now known as Utah State University. He earned a B.S. degree in physical education in 1949, and later earned a masters degree in school administration. He served two years in the army during WW II. While in college he met and married Marie Standley from Idaho. They were married in the Logan Temple and accepted their first teaching jobs in Rockland, Idaho. Wayne was the high school coach and Marie taught in the elementary school. They then accepted teaching positions in Grace, Idaho. There Wayne's basketball team won the Idaho State Championship. He was then offered a coaching position at Mesa Jr. College in Grand Junction, Colorado. Several years later Mesa Jr. College became a four year college and the name changed to Mesa State College. Wayne was associated with the college from 1955 to 1989. During those years he was head basketball coach leading his team to four Empire Conference titles and to the national NAJA championship tournament in 1958. He also served as the Athletic Director for 26 years. This past February, it was announced that when a renovation project at Mesa State College is completed this fall (2009), at the dedication the basketball court will be named the Wayne Nelson Court in his honor. June of 2009 the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honored him as Tennis Coach of the Century. Up until this past January, 2009, Wayne enjoyed playing weekly tennis matches with his long time friends, Terry Farina, Dick Bontinelli, Dr. Larry Tice, and Bob Emrich. He most enjoyed times together with the family, including his 80th birthday celebration. He is survived by Nathan Nelson, Marsha (Iain) Reekie, Rachel (Glenn) Fortner, Stan (Sherry) Nelson, Sarah (Van) Broderick, and Rebecca (Thomas) Fleishman and has 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Wayne passed away at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX, September 26, 2009. A funeral service will be held in the Grand Junction at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, 2542 G Road, on October 1, 2009 with a family reception at 10:00 a.m. and services beginning at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held prior to the service Wednesday, September 30th beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Callhan-Edfast Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Wayne Nelson Scholarship Fund, c/o Mesa State College Foundation, 1450 North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gjsentinel/obituary.aspx?pid=133656813#sthash.TP5ebYR2.dpuf

Wayne Woodward Nelson July 30, 1924 - September 26, 2009 Wayne Nelson was born in Tooele, Utah on July 30, 1924 to loving parents, the second child of John Rollin and Amanda Nelson. He was adored by his grandmothers, Eliza Nelson, of Tooele, and Emelia Osterberg, of Grantsville, Utah. He grew up in a close-knit family, with siblings, Russell, Johnny (Bernadine), Betty (Bert) Ogden, and Corinne (Earl) Wunderli. He lived and attended schools in Tooele, Erda, and Grantsville. Wayne attended Grantsville High School and was student body president his senior year. He played basketball, football, and tennis while attending Grantsville High School and was captain of the basketball team his senior year. After his high school graduation he went to the AC (Agriculture College) in Logan, now known as Utah State University. He earned a B.S. degree in physical education in 1949, and later earned a masters degree in school administration. He served two years in the army during WW II. While in college he met and married Marie Standley from Idaho. They were married in the Logan Temple and accepted their first teaching jobs in Rockland, Idaho. Wayne was the high school coach and Marie taught in the elementary school. They then accepted teaching positions in Grace, Idaho. There Wayne's basketball team won the Idaho State Championship. He was then offered a coaching position at Mesa Jr. College in Grand Junction, Colorado. Several years later Mesa Jr. College became a four year college and the name changed to Mesa State College. Wayne was associated with the college from 1955 to 1989. During those years he was head basketball coach leading his team to four Empire Conference titles and to the national NAJA championship tournament in 1958. He also served as the Athletic Director for 26 years. This past February, it was announced that when a renovation project at Mesa State College is completed this fall (2009), at the dedication the basketball court will be named the Wayne Nelson Court in his honor. June of 2009 the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honored him as Tennis Coach of the Century. Up until this past January, 2009, Wayne enjoyed playing weekly tennis matches with his long time friends, Terry Farina, Dick Bontinelli, Dr. Larry Tice, and Bob Emrich. He most enjoyed times together with the family, including his 80th birthday celebration. He is survived by Nathan Nelson, Marsha (Iain) Reekie, Rachel (Glenn) Fortner, Stan (Sherry) Nelson, Sarah (Van) Broderick, and Rebecca (Thomas) Fleishman and has 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Wayne passed away at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX, September 26, 2009. A funeral service will be held in the Grand Junction at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, 2542 G Road, on October 1, 2009 with a family reception at 10:00 a.m. and services beginning at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held prior to the service Wednesday, September 30th beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Callhan-Edfast Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Wayne Nelson Scholarship Fund, c/o Mesa State College Foundation, 1450 North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gjsentinel/obituary.aspx?pid=133656813#sthash.TP5ebYR2.dpuf

I had the wonderful and sacred priviliege helping my parents dress my grandma in her temple clothes for burial. It was a sacred and sweet experience I will never forget.

I love this dear woman and her wonderful example of uncconditional love and service.

I am so grateful for my two amazing grandparents for the opportunity I have to be their grandchild.

Wayne Woodward Nelson July 30, 1924 - September 26, 2009 Wayne Nelson was born in Tooele, Utah on July 30, 1924 to loving parents, the second child of John Rollin and Amanda Nelson. He was adored by his grandmothers, Eliza Nelson, of Tooele, and Emelia Osterberg, of Grantsville, Utah. He grew up in a close-knit family, with siblings, Russell, Johnny (Bernadine), Betty (Bert) Ogden, and Corinne (Earl) Wunderli. He lived and attended schools in Tooele, Erda, and Grantsville. Wayne attended Grantsville High School and was student body president his senior year. He played basketball, football, and tennis while attending Grantsville High School and was captain of the basketball team his senior year. After his high school graduation he went to the AC (Agriculture College) in Logan, now known as Utah State University. He earned a B.S. degree in physical education in 1949, and later earned a masters degree in school administration. He served two years in the army during WW II. While in college he met and married Marie Standley from Idaho. They were married in the Logan Temple and accepted their first teaching jobs in Rockland, Idaho. Wayne was the high school coach and Marie taught in the elementary school. They then accepted teaching positions in Grace, Idaho. There Wayne's basketball team won the Idaho State Championship. He was then offered a coaching position at Mesa Jr. College in Grand Junction, Colorado. Several years later Mesa Jr. College became a four year college and the name changed to Mesa State College. Wayne was associated with the college from 1955 to 1989. During those years he was head basketball coach leading his team to four Empire Conference titles and to the national NAJA championship tournament in 1958. He also served as the Athletic Director for 26 years. This past February, it was announced that when a renovation project at Mesa State College is completed this fall (2009), at the dedication the basketball court will be named the Wayne Nelson Court in his honor. June of 2009 the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honored him as Tennis Coach of the Century. Up until this past January, 2009, Wayne enjoyed playing weekly tennis matches with his long time friends, Terry Farina, Dick Bontinelli, Dr. Larry Tice, and Bob Emrich. He most enjoyed times together with the family, including his 80th birthday celebration. He is survived by Nathan Nelson, Marsha (Iain) Reekie, Rachel (Glenn) Fortner, Stan (Sherry) Nelson, Sarah (Van) Broderick, and Rebecca (Thomas) Fleishman and has 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Wayne passed away at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX, September 26, 2009. A funeral service will be held in the Grand Junction at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, 2542 G Road, on October 1, 2009 with a family reception at 10:00 a.m. and services beginning at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held prior to the service Wednesday, September 30th beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Callhan-Edfast Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Wayne Nelson Scholarship Fund, c/o Mesa State College Foundation, 1450 North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gjsentinel/obituary.aspx?pid=133656813#sthash.EBPlg9FR.dpuf

Marie Nelson
October 3, 1926 - July 16, 2014

Marie Nelson was born in Ventura California, on October 3, 1926, to devoted parents, Earl and Ethelean Standley. She enjoyed a happy childhood in a loving family, with siblings, Loren, and Verla (Lynn) Rasmussen. Her family traveled around northern California as her father looked for work. They settled in Meridian, Idaho. Marie attended school there along with helping her mother make ends meet by doing odd jobs and farm work.
In high school she was active in drama. With a beautiful voice, she played many lead roles in the school musicals. Marie attended Utah State University in Logan where she earned a B.S. degree in education in 1953. While enrolled in a college typing class, Marie met a handsome young man named Wayne Nelson from Grantsville, Utah. She had noticed him playing tennis, his legs in particular. They were married in the Logan Temple and accepted their first teaching jobs in Rockland, Idaho. Wayne was the high school coach and Marie taught in the elementary school. They then accepted teaching positions in Grace, Idaho. There, Marie was busy directing children's theatre productions and won the Idaho State Thespian Title for her memorable production of "Thar's Gold in Them Thar Hills". Wayne was then offered a coaching position at Mesa Jr. College in Grand Junction, Colorado which he happily accepted.
After taking a break from teaching to care for their six children, Marie began teaching school again at Columbus Elementary. This was followed by several years as a kindergarten teacher at Tope Elementary. In 1986, she was a finalist for 'Teacher of the Year' for the state of Colorado.
When not in the classroom Marie found time to teach and play tennis. For many years she was an amazing tennis player even winning the Idaho State Tennis Championship in 1954. She also performed in many local theatre productions.
Marie cherished her husband and family spending many happy summers camping on southern California beaches.
She is survived by Marsha (Iain) Reekie; Rachel (Glenn) Fortner; Stan (Sherry) Nelson; Sarah (Van) Broderick, and Rebecca (Thomas) Fleishman and has 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, and her son, Nathan Nelson.
She passed away at Larchwood Inn of natural causes July 16, 2014. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 21 at 10:00 with a visitation at 9:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ at 2542 G Rd.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to HopeWest Hospice. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gjsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=marie-nelson&pid=171790918#sthash.8xFc5Tt6.dpuf