Obituary: Dantzel W. Nelson

Dantzel W. Nelson 1926 ~ 2005 Dantzel White Nelson, 78, died unexpectedly, suddenly, but peacefully, on Saturday, February 12, 2005 at her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her husband, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was at her side. Dantzel was born February 17, 1926 on the family farm in Perry, Utah. She was adored in the family of Maude Clark and LeRoy Davis White. She was reared in a household of music and love. She graduated from Box Elder High School, Brigham City, Utah, in 1941, having been named as the "Outstanding Senior Girl". She attended the University of Utah on a scholarship, majoring in education. Her musical talents were well known in the community as she excelled in concerts as a soprano soloist and in leading roles of a number of theatrical productions. She affiliated with the Chi Omega sorority. She graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science degree and a certificate in secondary teaching. She married Russell M. Nelson in the Salt Lake Temple, August 31, 1945. Following her graduation, she taught at Hawthorne Elementary School in Salt Lake City. She also taught school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while her husband continued his post-doctoral medical studies there. From the time of the arrival of their first child in 1948, her life's work and joy came from her being a mother and homemaker. Always active in responsibilities as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sister Nelson served in Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary auxiliaries in the Minneapolis Minnesota Branch, North Central States Mission, 1947 -51; 1954 - 55; Washington Ward, Washington, D.C. Stake, 1951-53; Cambridge Massachusetts Branch, New England States Mission 1953 - 54; and the Garden Park and Yale Second Wards of the Salt Lake Bonneville Stake. The Nelsons are the parents of nine daughters and one son. Into their constantly growing family, Dantzel welcomed the spouses of their children, 56 grandchildren, the spouses of 13 married grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Sister Nelson delighted in serving others. She had the ability to cultivate and celebrate the unique virtues of each family member. She and Elder Nelson held their own extended family gatherings at least once a month, which could include any or all of the 106 members of their immediate family. She sang as a member of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1966 - 86. In 1999, she received the Exemplary Woman Award from Ricks College for her "Outstanding Example of LDS Womanhood." She expressed her creativity through needlework, sewing, quilting, cooking, and family history research. Freely she gave her works of art to others. For the past 21 years Sister Nelson traveled throughout the world at her husband's side, bearing her own witness of the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel to many thousands of God's children. Her life was characterized by her unwavering faith, diligent discipleship, selfless service, and angelic attributes. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Emily N. Wittwer; parents, LeRoy D. and Maude C. White; sister, Beth W. Dredge; and brother, Kenneth D. White. She is survived by her husband, Russell; children, Marsha N. McKellar, Wendy N. Maxfield (Norman), Gloria N. Irion (Richard), Brenda N. Miles (Richard), Sylvia N. Webster (David), Laurie N. Marsh (Richard), Rosalie N. Ringwood (Michael), Marjorie N. Helsten (Bradley), and Russell M. Nelson Jr (Britney). She always considered their son-in-law, Bradley E. Wittwer, and the wife of his second marriage, Julie, as part of their own family. She is also survived by three brothers and one sister, L. Clark White (Grace) of Perry, Marjorie W. Mecham of Ogden, Boyd B. White of Perry, and Richard H. White (Mary) of Las Vegas. Funeral services will be held12 noon Friday, February 18th at the Salt Lake Bonneville Stake Center, 1535 E. Bonneview Dr. (1050 South), Salt Lake City. Friends may call at the Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, or Friday, February 18 at the Bonneville Stake Center from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.