Velda J. Nielson

November 30, 1923 ~ August 2, 2013
Velda Johnson Nielson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away Friday, August 2, 2013, in Chandler, AZ.
Velda was born November 30, 1923 to Roy Washington (Northern) Johnson and Elnora Wright Johnson in Sunnyside, Carbon County, UT, but moved to Blanding at the age of 10.
Velda married Francis David (Bud) Nielson on November 12, 1942, in the Manti Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Velda was an active member of the LDS church and served diligently in many organizations, but her favorite callings were as a Cub Scout den mother and over 25 years in the Young Women’s organization, including beekeeper, speech &and drama director, and president. For several years, she and Bud were lovingly known as “Bishop Bud and Velda Baby.”
She attended LDS Business College in Salt Lake City and then worked as a secretary for the Farm Security Administration in Monticello, where she had to hike to the highway and hitch a ride every morning to Monticello.
While Bud was in the military, she worked for OPA, handing out ration books and stamps for gas, tires, shoes, food and other items.
She taught shorthand, typing and P.E. at San Juan High School. She worked over 20 years as secretary/bookkeeper for the City of Blanding until she retired.
Velda shared her many creative talents with family and community through uniquely decorated wedding and birthday cakes; beautifully embroidered dishtowels, tablecloths and cutwork pillowcases; special Halloween treats, and children’s games and activities she made for Christmas gifts.
She also wrote and directed many programs, plays, and road shows for school, community and ward activities.
Family was always her first priority. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.
Velda is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Francis Lyle Nielson, son-in-law Evan R Lusty, brothers Lyle N Johnson and Roy C (Klea) Johnson, sister Flora (William) Graham, and brothers-in-law H Joseph Nielson and Shirley P Nielson.
She is survived by her brother Don (Claire) Northern, of St. George, UT; sisters-in-law Clea S. Johnson and Belva W. Nielson, of Blanding, UT, and Sandra E Nielson, of Holbrook, AZ; children Sylvia Lusty, of Erda, UT, Suzanne (Steve) Anderberg, of Tempe, AZ, David Boyd (Vicky) Nielson, of Spring Creek, NV and Michelle (Mario) Cintron, of South Jordan, UT; 24 grandchildren, 37 ½ great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held August 10. Interment at the Blanding City cemetery.