Darla Gean Nielson

Darla Gean Mikkelsen Nielson, 76, passed away Wednesday, December 2 from cardiac arrest following a month-long bout with Covid-19. Darla passed having recently said she'd done everything she wanted to do in this life. Born to Roy and Olga Mikkelsen in American Falls, Idaho, Darla was raised on a farm in her beloved Vale, Oregon. After high school, she moved to Salt Lake City, where she attended cosmetology school and later opened her own hair salon. She made the best decision of her life by marrying Terry L. Nielson in the Salt Lake Temple in 1969.

Together, they had five daughters within seven years: Jennifer (Rusty) Scott, Cynthia (Greg) Bee, Aundria (Matthew) Kenning, Nicole (Greg) Crockett, and Megan (Trevor) Rees. Darla was a grandmother to 17 and a great grandmother to one. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Olga Mikkelsen, and a granddaughter, Savannah Joy Scott.

Darla found her greatest joy in the success of others. Her emotional and often explosive responses to good news made the sharing of accomplishments a special event. Many a grandchild was known to carefully choreograph the big reveal of an upcoming life event to maximize Grandma's response. She was genuinely interested and invested in keeping track of the lives of those who had crossed her path.

Her powers of observation almost reached superpower status. If you got your hair cut half an inch, she noticed. If you lost weight, she knew it before you did. If you bought a new outfit, you never had to tell her. She knew immediately. And if the way you cleaned your room was some kind of optical illusion, she would catch it every time.

Darla taught her daughters how to mourn with those who mourn. Her empathy, compassion, and good advice were treasured by her many relatives and lifelong friends. She valued inclusiveness and frequently invited people to become part of our family. Our family was made stronger by relationships with cousins, friends, and neighbors who joined our tribe in a time of need.

She will be fondly missed for her love of sappy movies, long walks, juicy stories, riotous flowerbeds, and over-the-top holiday décor. She was an advice giver, song maker-upper, a rocker of babies and a showerer of compliments.

Mom tended to underestimate her own power and influence in this life. But so many have been touched by the force of her example, the strength of her legendary marriage, and the love behind her words of encouragement and support.

Funeral services will take place Friday, December 11, 2020 at 11 am. The live service will take place at 8600 South Altair Drive, Sandy, Utah. The family asks that those planning to attend notify us ahead of time so we can ensure adequate social distancing. Alternatively, mourners may live stream the event at www.peruvianparkward.org . A fund has been established to assist Terry with funeral expenses. Those wishing to contribute may visit Ever Loved at https://everloved.com/life-of/darla-nielson/