Lydia Marilyn Nelson

Lydia Marilyn Nelson, 89, was born November 20, 1934, in Salina, Utah to Joseph Edwin and Zina Isabella Washburn Bird, passed away peacefully at home on November 26, 2023.

Marilyn was born in Salina and reared in various cities in Utah; until the family settled in Provo. She had 3 sisters and 7 brothers DeRay G. Bird, Avona Gillman, Edwin Lamar Bird, Weldon M. Bird, Dean Bird, Calvin Bird, Dorothy Sargeant, James Dewey Bird, LaVee Reeve and Theone Bird all deceased. 

Most of her early life was spent working on the farm. In her early 20’s she began working as a waitress in a Lindon Café. This is where she met her future husband, Joseph Richard Nelson. They were married January 3, 1956, in Pleasant Grove, Utah. They spent 47 years together, raising their children in their home in American Fork. Marilyn and Joseph enjoyed spending time in Wendover, especially when she had her blue dot for luck. She supported her children’s sports events, hunting, and school activities. She was a great cook and loved to make fresh homemade bread and scones with honey butter. She loved to sew, crochet and was an avid gardener. Marilyn’s joy in life was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Always reaching out to them to see how they were doing, checking in with them daily to make sure they were close by and safe. Marilyn was a primary teacher for the LDS church teaching her children the gospel during their early years. 

Marilyn is survived by her children; David (Janey) Nelson, Orem; Rick (Alice) Nelson; Riverton; Becky (Kevin) McDonald, American Fork; Debbie Nelson (Russell Nelson) Dillion, MT; Laura (Troy) Mace, Highland; Carma (Dave) Billings, Mountain Green; Penny Gustafson (Paul) Beasley, American Fork; Jessica (Bryce) Clift, American Fork; 27 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, 2 great, great grandchildren with many more to come. Mom and dad created a great legacy to carry on the Nelson name.

Marilyn was preceded in death by husband Joseph Richard Nelson, son Russel Nelson and son in law Travis Gustafson.

A viewing will be held Sunday December 3rd from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork. The funeral services will be held on Monday December 4th, 2023 at 11:00 am at the American Fork 5th Ward Chapel located at 381 South 300 East, American Fork, UT. A viewing will be held from 9:45 - 10:45 am prior to the services. Please share a memory on Lydia's tribute wall.

Please click on the link below to watch Marilyn's funeral service via live stream:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86399183813?pwd=S0NSRDFWYTZDZ1lPVnNtaGxoL01xZz09