Leola Smith Nielsen

Leola Smith Nielsen was born March 6, 1917, in Turner, Idaho, the daughter of Hyrum Wendell and Adella Smith. She returned to her Heavenly Father on May 28, 2021, surrounded by her family. She lived her 104 years to the fullest, independently and dedicated to her family, her friends, her faith, and her beautiful gardens. Leola had one brother, Harold, and two sisters, Ruth and Gladys.

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She attended school in Thatcher, Idaho, traveling there by horse, wagon, or sleigh. She graduated from Thatcher High School as valedictorian. She participated in basketball and pep club when not spending long hours working on the family farm.

Leola met her husband, Leo Hans Nielsen, while attending Stevens-Henegar Business College in Salt Lake City. They shared their love for 67 years. Leola is survived by her six children, Carolyn (Dick) Freeman, John (Pat) Nielsen, Nola Chase, Gale (Cheryl) Nielsen, Adele (Patrick) Casaday, and Loren (Debbie) Nielsen. Her life was filled with her 25 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great grandchildren.

Leola was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints and served in the Primary, Young Women’s, and Relief Society organizations. She and her husband served together as extraction missionaries for over 22 years.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Olympus First Ward, 4100 Camille St., Holladay, UT 84124.

Viewings: 6:00 – 8:00 Wednesday, June 2, 2021, and Thursday, June 3, 2021, 10:30 – 11:30 both of which will be at the church.

Services may be watched remotely via the following link, which will require a free Zoom account, in not already set up: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/r8pmNsHnC5obhCEw8aWX0aXdegf0zU9SXIbxb4Z-osHrpvt3w66AxvNvAwaCxmoK.OPlE8cm9ozPasMJB?startTime=1622743594000

PASSCODE TO WATCH RECORDED SERVICE: $YG8RY!c