LaRae (Flo, Nana) Nelson passed away in her home in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 27, 2023. She was in the presence of her eldest daughter (Angie Martinez) and her newest great grandchild (Mia Martinez) who were taking a nap as she tiptoed out the door to Heaven.
LaRae was born on her kitchen table in American Fork, UT on September 8, 1935 to Raynor and Laura Pulley Beck Larsen. During her early years, she worked to help the family at the Pulley Turkey Plant . She had all kinds of different jobs which resulted in LaRae hating turkey, even on Thanksgiving. Her next job was a little sweeter. As a teenager, she worked at Don’s Sweet Shop where she worked the counter making hamburger’s, fries, shakes and ice cream goodies. During the summers, she worked at the snack bar at Saratoga on Utah Lake.
LaRae attended BYU for one year before transferring to Utah State University where she received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, with a Minor in Art. She loved Utah State where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and a Song Leader. Her favorite class was Econ 51, where she met the love of her life, Peter Morgan Nelson. They became college sweethearts. They loved to dance every weekend and hung out at the Bluebird Cafe. Peter Morgan’s family moved to Las Vegas in 1955 where she had the opportunity to work as a waitress at the Stardust and Silver Slipper Hotels. She loved Las Vegas and this opportunity helped her to pay for college. LaRae and Peter dated all through college. and finally tied the knot on June 17, 1960. They were sealed for time and eternity on their anniversary in 1976 in the Salt Lake Temple.
After graduation, LaRae accepted a teaching position at Riverside Elementary School in Salt Lake City School District. LaRae taught first and second grade for 37 years. Her love for her students and teaching did not go unnoticed. In 1982, she was awarded “Outstanding Teacher” by Kiwanis International. She retired in 1996. She was asked to come back, where she taught another four years until June of 2000. She also loved Avon and became a Representative in 1978. She made Presidents Club several times, which she enjoyed doing for 45 years.
LaRae and Peter had three children, (Angie, Stephanie and Peter Michael). Family was always very important and any spare time they had, they spent with their children or extended family. They spent many summers boating at Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge, camping and swimming at Aunt Bette’s pool. They joined a bowling league “the swingers” which met on Friday nights to make sure they had a date night once a week.
She loved to sing and sang for many years with the church choir. Her favorite church calling was Visiting Teaching and she made sure she went every month. .She had the same partner for over 30 years. She told her Bishop her partner had to be Win Peterson or she couldn’t go. She made lifelong friends wherever she went. She stayed in touch with high school, college, sorority, teaching, bowling and church friends. Her best partner in life was her husband Peter Morgan, whom she shared many adventures with for 57 years. Whether it was bowling, golf, “washing the car”, travels to Las Vegas, Disneyland or Laguna Beach. their greatest joy was to play with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the best Mom and Nana anyone could ask for. She was kind, loving, and so generous. The world is a little less bright without her… we love you forever and will miss you always!
LaRae is survived by her three children, Angie (Vince) Martinez, Stephanie (John) Pernyak, Peter (Melanie) Nelson, Grandchildren, John ( Tailene), Samantha, Patrick (Ashley), Sean, Ashley (Brysson), April (Josh) Parker, Vinnie (Bri) Michael, Brianna (Sergio), Riley (Jonathan) Mitchell and Emily. Great Grand Children, Jayden, Kaelie, Gracie, Landyn, Jax, Brooke, Oakley, Everett, Liam and Mia. Sisters, Jenna Vee Worthen and Jeanne Larsen (Elliott Duncan). Brother in Law James (Sharon) Nelson, Many Nieces,Nephews, cousins and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Douglas, and two sisters, Louise and Char,
Many thanks to the staff at Good Shepherd Hospice, Barbara, Kaylie, Kalei, Shantel, Shauntell and Savanah.We appreciate all you did for our Mom and Nana.
A Viewing will be held, Friday, April 7 from 5-8 pm and Saturday April 8 from 9-10:45 am with the Funeral Service to follow at 11 am at the Salt Lake Little Cottonwood 5th Ward- 6350 S Rodeo Lane-Murray, UT 84121
Interment-Mountain View Memorial Park, 3115 East Bengal Blvd-Cottonwood Heights, UT
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Byron Hoen Engh
I never had the opportunity to personally meet Nana, but I was fortunate enough to hear many stories about her. Each one would be told with a sparkle in the eyes of the story teller. I could tell Nana was a priceless precious gem. A one of a kind sweet soul who was deeply loved. I knew I would immediately adore her, like those who had the chance to know her. Rest In Peace sweet Nana, you will be forever cherished, loved and never ever forgotten…
Sending healing hugs to the family, and all who are hurting from her loss.
With love,
Cherie W 💕
We are so sorry for your loss. Aunt LaRae was always so kind and thoughtful to everyone She was always smiling. She will be missed.
Love Lesa Larsen Love and family
To Flo’s Family, your Mom and Dad were such good friends while we were bowling partners, and raising our kids together. Such good times and good memories. The Lake Powell memories. A lot I didn’t know about your Mom, she didn’t talk much about herself, probably could never get a word in. She was quite the lady! Wish we could be there for her celebration but we don’t drive to Utah in the winter, even though it’s April. Love and prayers for all of you!
I taught with LaRae and she was a jewel. God bless her family! She will be missed. ❤️
LaRae, you were a mentor and a soul sister to me. I will love you always. We spent many awesome times together. Thank you for eternal friendship. Say hi to Eleanor, my Mom, Dad and wrap your loving arms around Pete. Rest in eternal peace.