Relda Skinner Nielsen, born May 9, 1937, passed away on October 28, 2018. Relda was nurturing and spiritual like her mother, Stella Jane Turner. She was hard-working, sociable, and loyal like her father, Edward Thomas Skinner.
Growing up on a ranch in Star Valley, Wyoming, Relda learned at an early age to be diligent and helpful. She excelled as a seamstress, cook, and homemaker. She savored time spent with close relatives and friends. Relda was the life of the party with her infectious laugh.
Relda came to the “big city” in 1955 to attend the University of Utah. There, she met Peter LaMont Nielsen. Her funds did not allow her to study at the University of Utah so instead she took secretarial classes at LDS Business College and became a top-notch secretary. After dating for several months, Relda and Peter married June 29, 1956, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They spent an entire summer honeymooning in San Francisco where Relda was pleased to secure a job as a greeter for an exclusive hat and glove shop in Union Square. After Peter graduated from medical school, they returned to San Francisco where Peter finished his psychiatric internship and residency at Letterman General Hospital.
Their adventure continued in Kitzingen, Germany, where Peter served as a Major with the U.S. Medical Corps. Relda supported Peter as a branch president, and together they made lifelong friends. After they returned to the States, they bought a home in Holladay, Utah, where they served in the community and fulfilled multiple callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One of Relda’s proudest achievements was graduating from the University of Utah at age 53 with a degree in Family Consumer Studies. After Peter died in 1992, Relda worked as a secretary for LDS Family Services for many years.
Family was always a priority for Peter and Relda. As children, we have many fond memories of trips to the beach, cabin, skiing, and Lake Powell. Mom spoiled us with fun traditions, elaborate birthday dinners, German meals, and her fabulous birthday cakes. Relda relished being a grandmother, and would spoil each new grandchild with hugs, kisses and handmade quilts. Her grandchildren lovingly nicknamed her “Partygrams.”
Relda married Robert Arthur Reed in December 2003. Bob has been a tremendous blessing to Relda.
Relda was blessed with a courageous, adventurous, and generous spirit. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend. She cherished and served her children and grandchildren with all of her heart. Her Christlike example and influence will be remembered for generations.
Relda is survived by her husband, Robert Reed; three sons and four daughters, Sherri Nielsen and Thomas Gallagher; Brad and Rosie Nielsen; Truman and Linda Hunt; Mark and Valerie Jane Hunsaker; Scott Nielsen; Gregory Nielsen; Brandon and Emily Cutler; 25 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
God’s great gift to us has faithfully returned to Him – Our dear Mother.
A viewing will be held from 7-9 pm on Friday, November 2, at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 S. Highland Dr., SLC, UT 84106). On Saturday, November 3, a viewing will be held in the Draper 2nd Ward building (1617 E. 12700 S., Draper, UT), from 10:00-11:30 am after which the funeral will begin at 12:00.
