Vana Nelson Obituary (1927

Vana Oldroyd Nelson, 86, of Cedar Valley, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2014, surrounded by a loving family. She was born in Glenwood, Utah to Andrew Van Oldroyd and Eulida Pearl Jensen on Nov. 21, 1927. She grew up in Glenwood and married Edward (Ted) A. Nelson of Cedar Valley in 1948 in the Manti Temple. She earned a bachelors degree in education from the Branch Agricultural College (now Southern Utah University), and valued her childrens education to the extent that they joked that she would carry them to school on a stretcher if they couldnt walk. While her children were still quite young, Vana traveled the world with her husband and family, supporting university research and later doing missionary work. She stayed in such places as New Zealand, China, Japan, Canada, Brazil, Peru and the Philippines, living in several different U.S. states as well. But despite all the exotic places she saw, she was a true-blue patriot who was loyal to the country of her birth. And she always loved her home in Cedar Valley. In fact, a line from her favorite song says, Sometimes this old farm feels like a long-lost friend. Vana enjoyed beautiful things, particularly her garden, which supplied flowers for church meetings and fresh vegetables for her extended family. She was recognized as a talented seamstress and won awards for her needlework. A lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Vana was true to her faith and prized her testimony of the gospel above all else except her family. Nothing else could compare. Vana is survived by her husband, Ted Nelson, of Cedar Valley, and six children: Neil Nelson, of Cedar Valley; Caroline Nelson Howe (Gary), of Cedar Valley; Susan Nelson Christopher (David), of Cedar Valley; Vanae Nelson (Rob), of Novato, California; Lee Nelson (Sandra), of Brigham City; Carola Garfias (Pedro), of Mesa; and Lisa Ann Nelson Bay (Colin), of Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by three brothers, Jerald Oldroyd (May Dene); Jack Oldroyd (Carol); and Stanley Oldroyd. Vana was proud of her 20 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, who will miss her. A viewing will be held at Southern Utah Mortuary from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2014. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Midvalley Chapel, preceded by a viewing at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent to .