St. George, UT - Ellen Cannon Nielsen Gale, 81, passed away on June 2, 2010 in St. George, Utah. She was born on December 10, 1928 to Glen and Mildred Shakespear Cannon. In 1945, she married LaVar Nielsen of St. George. He passed away in 1950. She married Myron C. (Mike) Gale in 1960 and he passed away in 1999. Ellen was raised and educated in St. George. Mike and Ellen moved to Lehi, Utah for a few years where they managed the Camp Williams Military complex and she arranged and did all the cooking for many banquets at that facility. They moved back to St. George in the early 70's and she resided there the rest of her life. She is preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, one brother, Leon Cannon and one grandson, Kenneth Webb, son-in-laws, Paul Allman and Freaman Churchfield, and sister-in-law, Helen Cannon. Her hobbies included a lot of crocheting, where she made afghans for all of her 34 great grandchildren as well as many Christmas ornaments for everyones Christmas trees. She was a sharpshooter on the pistol range. She and Mike loved fishing and hunting and camping and spent many wonderful days at their cabin in the mountains above Heber City, Utah. They traveled to many exotic places around the world and enjoyed several cruises. Ellen accompanied Mike during his service to Governor Cal Rampton and became very good friends with the Rampton family. She was an avid member of the Lady of Elks Auxiliary and served as President of that organization. She was a member of the V. F. W. Auxiliary and was involved with the Color Country Ramblers Good Sam Club. Ellen had a wonderful sense of humor and held many gatherings at her home with family and friends. Mike had four children when he married Ellen and she welcomed them as her own and loved having them visit their home and Mike and Ellen traveled far and wide to visit all of these families. Ellen is survived by daughters; Jane Churchfield, Peggy (Joe) Giles, Tammy Allman, and son, Michael S. (Cheryl) Gale, brothers; Kay (Ann) Cannon, Lloyd (Carla) Cannon, and sister Glenna (Wayne) Shafer. Her posterity includes 16 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 51 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to the Medical Staff of Dixie Regional Medical Center, Dr. Rignell and Staff, and the Staff of the Meadows Retirement Center and Kolob Care Center. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, UT. Visitations will be held on Friday, June 4, 2010 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to services on Saturday. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a spray, if so we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words as any friend could say. Perhaps you werent there at all, but thought of us today. Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much, whatever the part. The families of Ellen Cannon Nielsen Gale