Shonya Nelson, a devoted Wife, Mother, and Grandma passed away peacefully on April 5, 2013, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. She lived a life of hard work and dedication to her children and husband, and later to her grandchildren whom she loved immensely. Shonya was born in Panguitch, Utah to Leo and Charlene Norton. Shonya was in the first graduation class of newly built Viewmont High School in Bountiful, Utah where 3 of her 4 children would attend. Following high school, she meet her lifelong love and eternal companion Dell Ray Nelson, after a few months of courtship they were married on August 12, 1970 in the Salt Lake Temple. Dell and Shonya began their life together in Salt Lake City while he worked and pursued his education and she was working for a bank. They later moved to Downey California only to return back to their roots some years later in Bountiful, Utah were they would raise their family. Their partnership has flourished for more than 43 years. Shonya had a love of numbers, and while she began a career in banking at a young age, that love later moved her into the health industry as a billing coder, office manager and collections agent. Throughout her life, Shonya was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, holding many callings and particularly enjoying her Young Women calling in the Hurricane 1st Ward. However, her greatest moments of happiness would come on a cool crisp fall morning as hot air balloons dances along the desert horizon, or as she could be out in her yard planting various flowers and enjoying the sanctuary of nature around her. Shonya found great happiness in her children and grandchildren, encouraging them in every pursuit. She enjoyed the yearly family vacations to the mountains and national parks; she especially enjoyed the family trip to Washington D.C. and Virginia. Later on in life Shonya found measured joy in her grandchildren, from attending ball games, to school or musical performances, or just a visit, where she knew hugs and kisses would make life just that much better. She was extremely proud of her 4 children and their accomplishments, whether it be her 3 sons returning home honorably from their L.D.S. missions, or her daughter becoming a great mom, she loved them unconditionally. She had unwavering loyalty to her family and friends and though outspoken at times, that loyalty and love has truly been reciprocated. She will be greatly missed and remembered by many. As it is stated, in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.", that you have our mother. Shonya, may you rest in peace. She is survived by her husband Dell Ray Nelson, and their four children and families: Shondell Nelson Shaw (Todd Shaw); and Andrew Nelson (Nikki Clayton) all of Saint George, Utah; Jason Nelson (Kellyanne Halford) of Logan, Utah; Dustin Nelson (Jessica Hepworth) of Layton, Utah; 13 Grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother Charlene Norton and her brothers Rick and Paul Norton of Salt Lake City, Utah; as well as her in laws Gilbert and Anna Rae Nelson of Bountiful, Utah and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father Leo Norton, brother Stan Norton and sweet Grandson Rayce Alexander Nelson. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Washington Fields LDS 1st Ward Chapel, 1835 Washington Fields Dr., Washington, UT. A visitation will be held prior to services at the chapel from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Interment will be on Monday, April 15, at 2:00 p.m. at the Santaquin City Cemetery, Santaquin, UT. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.
In lieu of flowers please make donations at Zion's Bank, Shonya Nelson Donations.