Rebecca May Nelson

Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, Rebecca May Pettit Nelson, passed away in the early morning hours on November 9, 2024, at her home in Millcreek, Utah. She was born during the Depression on May 30, 1932, in the “big pink house” on Park Street in Salt Lake. She was the 12th and last child of her parents, Genevieve Johnson and Archibald Newel Pettit. She spoke fondly of her time growing up and playing with her siblings in that home. Later when she was around 12 years old the family moved to Murray, Utah, to start a dairy farm. Mom loved the farm life and all the animals. Her brother, Vernal, gave her every little cowgirl’s dream and bought her her very own pony that she named Maudine.

She graduated in the Murray High School Class of 1950. She wanted to follow in her sister Dorthella’s steps and become a nurse and was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Utah School of Nursing; she graduated in 1954. She worked in public health and taught many children the importance of good hygiene and staying healthy.

Our Mother and Father met while working together at Cottonwood Hospital. She was only 15 at the time and had no idea of their beautiful future together. It wasn’t until many years later when she was traveling to Chicago for a nursing seminar that she remembered Revere was from there. Knowing that Revere was a unique name, she thought to look him up in the phone book. Well, sure enough, she found him, bravely dialed the number, and he answered! Dad immediately recognized her voice and was happy and anxious to meet again. Their relationship was mostly long distance, but their love blossomed, and Dad proposed by sending her a diamond through the mail. They were married for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on Valentine’s Day, Feb 14, 1957.

They started a family that would grow to 7 children. She was a lifetime and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings including Primary President, Relief Society teacher, visiting teacher, and temple worker. She loved the gospel with all her heart. She loved the temple and spent many hours of service there. She supported her children and grandchildren who chose to serve full-time missions for the church.

She is survived by her children, Karla (Dennis) Spackman, Bob (Sherri) Nelson, Bill (Dawn) Nelson, Rick (Stacey) Nelson, and Kim Nelson; 22 grandchildren, Ben, Gennie, Becca, Angie, Katherine, Summer, Robby, Ryan, Reagan, Riley, Stefanie, Joshua, Tyler, Carrie, Michael G, Isaac, Luke, Michael A, Noah, Sam, Evan, and Hannah; 24 great-grandchildren, Kyle, Logan, Makaylia, Rev, Lily, Hailee, Harlee, Zach, Jordan, Hailey, Aurora, Quinton, Josephine, Elias, Maelee, Lola, James, Braxton, Kristina, Kendra, Nelson, Gerold, Haro, and Eastern. She is preceded in death by her parents, her 11 siblings, her husband, Revere; a daughter, Kris Orfanos; a son, Terry Nelson; and a grandson, Rhett Nelson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Hillview Ward located at 1361 E 4000 S. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park located at 3401 S Highland Drive and again one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Millcreek, Utah.