Patricia Nelson

Patricia Ann Belliston Nelson
January 9, 1942 - March 13, 2025

Our beautiful, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Patricia Ann Nelson, quietly slipped away early in the morning of March 13, 2025, at the age of 83 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She and her sweetheart celebrated 64 years of marriage together just days before.

Patricia was born in Twin Falls, ID, on January 9, 1942, to Joseph Boyd and Letha Lora Belliston. Eventually they moved their little family to Pendleton, OR. She spent the majority of her growing up years attending Lincoln Elementary school, and Pendleton High School, where she gained her education and cultivated many lifelong friends. She was an exceptionally friendly and outgoing young lady, which have been hallmark traits all throughout her life. During her high school experience she was involved in many clubs and activities such as: Girls League, Pep Club, Rally Committee , Toastmixers, Ski Club, Yearling Staff, Band (clarinet), Class Assemblies, and Thespians. She graduated from Pendleton High School in 1960.

Patricia's family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She attended her ward in Pendleton, held callings, and was part of the Golden Gleaners (the name of the young women in her day).

The summer before her senior year Patricia met a handsome young man, David L Nelson, in Sunday school. She spotted him and they began a relationship over the summer getting to know each other through church activities and time spent together. At the end of the summer David, who had just graduated from high school, enlisted in the Navy and left for training and Pat began her senior year. They stayed in touch through letters and phone calls. After completing her senior year and graduating in 1960, she left Pendleton for Provo and began the fall semester at BYU. David and Pat, both in love, felt the desire to make their relationship more permanent and became engaged late that fall, then married the following year on March 8th, 1961, in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to San Diego, CA and brought their first two children into the world, Jennifer and Eric. After David’s time in the Navy, they moved to Portland, OR and brought two more children, Darren and Ryan, into the family. They remained in Portland for the next 16 years.

Pat was a busy full time Mom and very actively involved in her children's lives. Together with her husband they taught gospel principles in their home with many family nights and family activities. Combined with all the school activities, sports, and both of their church callings they were a busy family.

In the spring of 1980, David and Pat moved their family to Sandy, UT and eventually settled in their current home in South Jordan on Misty Oaks Dr. During this period of time as their children were growing up and moving on Patricia worked at Primary Children’s hospital, then for Alta Health Strategies for 20 years as an Administrative Assistant. She loved that job and kept her executives well organized. After retiring she became a temple worker for several years at the Jordan River Temple until it closed for renovations in 2016. Whether she was in the temple as a worker, or as a patron, she loved being there to serve. She had a beautiful alto voice and regretted not auditioning for the Tabernacle Choir. However, she found great fulfillment as she continued to raise her children. She served in many ward callings, working fully and tirelessly in those callings. She cooked and delivered many meals, visited with many sisters in their homes, and lifted the burdens of many family members, friends and ward members.

Sadly, our mother began showing the early signs of some slight memory loss about 10+ years ago. Her vibrant self tried to push it aside as long as she could. Our father, who primarily and lovingly cared for her for all these years, and we, her family and friends, who have surrounded her with our love, have been deeply saddened to watch as her disease slowly took away most of her amazing and beautiful spirit and personality. In the end, she depended upon many of us, including the wonderful people at Spring Gardens Memory Care, to help her reach the end of her mortal journey. We are eternally grateful to know that one day we will see her again in her perfect and glorious state. But for now, those who know and love her will miss her terribly. Her life has been one of serving others, living the gospel, and loving her friends and family.

Pat is survived by her wonderful husband, David, their children Jennifer (Rex), Eric, Darren (Allison), and Ryan (Brianne), Her brothers Richard (Nyla), Doug (Anita) and sister Nancy. 15 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Boyd and Letha, her sister Peggy, and a baby brother lost at birth.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 9894 S. 2700 W. South Jordan, UT 84095. A viewing will begin at 9:30 am prior to the services at the same location. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery.

Our family would like to express our deep gratitude to all of the workers at Spring Gardens Memory Care in Lindon who cared for our mother with so much dignity and respect. Their efforts on our mother’s behalf will never be forgotten. We are also so very grateful to Randi and everyone with Serenity Hospice that helped our mother to the conclusion of her mortal life.