Alice Ann Wright

Alice was born on May 9,1932 to Ludeal and Sarah Nielson, in Ephraim, Utah. She was the middle of a trio of sisters. Having lost her father at the age of 6, her mother bravely and tenderly raised, she and her sisters. Her mother supported the family by working for the government. This took them to different areas of Utah: Ephraim, Provo and Fillmore, where she graduated from high school. She learned resilience and patience, adjusting to new schools.

Alice saw the importance of getting an education in her mother’s life, so she was determined to get her own degree. She also developed a love for music, by dancing and singing in concerts, productions and school assemblies. She attended Snow College, received her Associate of Arts from the College of Southern Utah, (SUU) and then went onto the University of Utah. It was there that she met her eternal companion, Richard L. “Ric” Wright. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in September,1954 and graduated together the next spring.

Richard was accepted to dental school in California, where Alice’s teaching degree helped put him through school. He graduated in 1960, and by this time, they had welcomed 2 daughters and opened a dental practice in the Bay Area. Alice devoted her time to raising her family and helping Richard run the office.

In 1966, they left California for a short time, for Richard’s continuing dental education. After a year they returned to California and set up a new practice in Vacaville. Over these years, their family grew, with 5 daughters and one son in the middle.

In 1972, they decided to make one more change and move to El Dorado Hills, CA. Alice kept very busy, keeping the family going and helping with the dental office. In 1975, they welcomed another daughter, Victoria. Alice and Victoria had a special relationship and were joined at the hip. Sadly, Victoria passed away in 1993.

Alice had skills in making something out of nothing, whether it be a meal or a new dress and in record time. Her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ was very important to her. She was Relief Society president in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 3 times and taught many lessons in Sunday School and Primary.

After Victoria’s passing in 1993, Alice returned to teaching and taught for over 10 years. She helped start a new private school and was influential in her students’ lives. She loved teaching and thrived in it, helping the students see the importance of learning. Many of her students kept in touch and told her what an impact she had on them.

Upon the passing of Richard in 2020, Alice moved to Utah and was able to be around many of her family for the last few years of her life.

Alice was a wonderful mother to her 7 children and a devoted wife to Richard. Her bright light, optimism and humility were present throughout her entire life. She is cherished by her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by children: Juliana Basilius (Paul), Nancy Wait (Jerry), Richard (Kelly), Annette Johnston (Dave), Rebecca Olsen (Shawn) and Maria Walker (Dan), Twenty-eight grandchildren and a growing number of great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, located at 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT, 84106, United States, on February 7, 2026, from 9:00 am to 9:45 am. A funeral service will follow at the same location on February 7, 2026, starting at 10:00 am.