Jeanette Nelson

Jeanette Ardella Engh Nelson died at home in St. George, Utah on Saturday, February 19, 2022. She was 85 years old. Jeanette was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert N Nelson, who died in 2017. Jeanette is survived by many devoted family members: their four sons, Jack Nelson and his wife Diane, Raymond Nelson and his wife Olga, Karl Nelson and his wife Amy, and Ronald Nelson and his wife Danette; her sister Judy Peterson and brothers David Engh and Daniel Engh, 28 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. She is also preceded in death by her parents Henry and Ardella Engh, her brothers Henry, Paul and Dennis Engh, her daughter-in-law Mary-lu Nelson and her grandson Alexander Nelson.

Jeanette was born on July 15, 1936 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She grew up in Salt Lake City and Holladay, Utah, where she supported her parents in developing the family floral and nursery business. She was art of the first graduating class of the newly built Olympus High School.

Jeanette met her husband during her first semester at BYU. They were married shortly thereafter and remained companions and best friends their entire lives. As a mother of four boys Jeanette was determined to provide opportunities for them to participate in extracurricular activities and sports. She provided positive motivation that her boys have confidence. She was driven when it came to scouting. She served as den leader for all the boys and helped them succeed in scouting.

In the early days of their marriage, Jeanette and Bob spent time in West Texas along the Mexican border. Life along the border was challenging with few close friends and the absence of many of life's creature comforts. It was during their time in Texas that Jeanette began to enjoy cooking Mexican food. Her enchiladas and burritos were always among the family favorites.

The family moved many times and Jeanette was always busy turning each house into a home for her family. In her limited spare time Jeanette would seek out business opportunities, such as gathering mistletoe and sugar pine cones, making floral arrangements and Christmas ornaments.

As the family got older Jeanette began to pursue other business opportunities. While living in Plano, Jeanette started a house cleaning business that focused on newly constructed homes. It became a family business as Jeanette thought it was important that her sons to learn the importance of work.

After living away from her parents her entire married life Jeanette was excited for the opportunity to return to Salt Lake and start a new business. In 1977, Jeanette, and her husband, founded the Strawberry Patch. This business highlighted Jeanette's business skills and ability to connect with people. After many years of hard work the "Patch" became a huge success and was renown throughout the area. They eventually sold the business and briefly retired.

However in 1986, Bob and Jeanette teamed up again to start Jeanette's Bridal. Once again Jeanette's business skills and people skill were on display as they grew this business into a huge success. They operated that business until they finally retired.

As a team Jeanette and Robert moved several times, raised four sons, started and grew two different successful businesses, and most importantly enjoying spending every minute of the day together. They provided a nurturing and safe environment for their sons and lead by example as they taught them principles of service, honesty and hard work.

Jeanette was a beautiful, energetic and devoted wife, mother and grandmother - a woman of great faith, tenderness and instinctive wisdom.

Robert passed away over four years ago. At that time, and since then, Jeanette has been living with her son Karl and his family in Draper and later in St. George, Utah. The family would like to recognize and thank Karl and Amy Nelson for caring for Jeanette and being so attentive to her needs. They were aided in this work by Karli and Zach Nelson. Karli and Zach, along with their children made sure Jeanette was both comfortable and happy.

The family would also like to thank Jeanette's siblings for their visits which always lifted her spirits.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Anderson Funeral Home, 94 West 300 North, Nephi, Utah. Interment, Nephi City Cemetery.