Muriel Taylor Neilson

On October 19, 2013, Muriel T. Neilson left this earthly existence to be with her loving husband and son, who preceded her in death. She passed away peacefully on a beautiful autumn evening surrounded by family and friends in Sparks, Nevada.

Muriel was born on November 7, 1916, in Asheville, North Carolina, to Robert and Pearl "June" Griffin Taylor, and was the youngest of three children. She had two older brothers, Milton "Pete" and Claude "Clover" Taylor, who nicknamed her "Jackie" or "Jack". The family moved from North Carolina and eventually settled in Battle Mountain, Nevada, where Muriel spent most of her childhood. The family was actively involved in the construction and mining industry in Eastern Nevada in the early 1900''s, and she was always quite proud of her pioneer heritage. "Jackie" graduated from high school on June 6, 1935, and later moved to Ogden, Utah, desiring to further her education and experience life outside of a rural community.

For 31 years Muriel was employed at Hill Air Force Base where she worked in the training and supply departments, finally serving in the Inspector General''s office. She enjoyed her assignments very much and always shared interesting stories with her family and friends about her experiences, especially during the hectic days of World War II. During that time, she was President of the HILL AFB Ladies Bowling League, one of her favorite activities along with dancing, playing tennis, bridge, crossword puzzles, Utah "Jazz" basketball, travel, shopping, camping, hunting, and fishing with her family and occasional trips to Wendover with her wonderful friends.

On November 9, 1945, "Jackie" married Kenneth Neilson in Grand Junction, Colorado. Ken was also employed at Hill Air Force Base where they first met. Muriel and Ken were later blessed with two sons, Gary and Michael, and eventually moved into their home in Clearfield, Utah, where they raised their family. Much of their time was spent with a large extended family, including memorable Sundays spent at church and at Grandma Neilson''s house. Muriel was the first person baptized in the newly established LDS Utah mission in 1975. She remained an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'' Clearfield ward for many years.

Unfortunately, Muriel lost both her son Michael and husband in 1987 and 1988, respectively; but in the following years enjoyed traveling to many locations around the world including Canada, Europe, Taiwan, Mexico, South America, the Panama Canal, and traversing the United States from Alaska and Hawaii to New England and Florida. Many of her trips were with her dearest friend Laverne Neilson, who called her "Bunny", and Muriel''s son Gary and his wife. One of the happiest occasions was a flight to Reno, Nevada, to welcome her new granddaughter Kayla Nicole born on Valentine''s Day in 1993. The two of them became inseparable, and Grandma Neilson was a frequent visitor and traveling companion to Disneyworld, Disneyland and cruising toward far off destinations. Understandably, the family was very pleased when Muriel decided to leave Clearfield after so many years and relocate to Nevada to be closer to Kayla and her parents.

Prior to her move to Nevada, Muriel resided at the Mountain Ridge Assisted Living facility in Ogden for eight years. The staff and her friends described her as "kind and generous", with an "energetic personality and sense of humor". She was actively involved in weekly bible study, the "Red Hat Society" women''s club, and service groups at the McKay Dee Hospital, the "Woman''s Board" at the Stewart Rehabilitation Center, and the "Ogden Volunteers Saving the Sights of Utah". Muriel and her fellow volunteers traveled around Northern Utah screening young children for vision problems prior to them entering school. Her unselfish commitment, compassion, and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated by the children, parents, and the volunteer community.

"Cascades of the Sierra" became her new home in 2010, where in a very short time she became beloved by all. She felt right at home in her lovely apartment, making many new friends, enjoying all the special events hosted by the facility, and especially looking forward to playing bingo and bridge. At ninety-three she was still participating in the bi-weekly water aerobics classes and pedaling every day. She was absolutely remarkable and embraced every day with a positive attitude and desired to be involved, even when this became more physically challenging for her. Her absence is difficult to bear, but those who know her celebrate a remarkable life that spanned almost 97 years and the wisdom and joy that she shared with others.

Muriel is survived by her son, Gary Neilson of Sparks, Nevada; her daughter-in-law Rochelle; her granddaughter, Kayla who is a college student at the University of Nevada; and her nephew Jeff Neilson and his wife Monica of Reno, Nevada; along with other cherished nieces, nephews, family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, son Michael, and her two brothers, Claude and Milton Taylor.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Muriel''s many friends, the residents, and staff at Cascades of the Sierra and Gentiva Hospice services for all of their love, concern, and support. Muriel was always treated and cared for with patience, understanding, compassion, dignity, and respect. Their conscientious efforts, especially at this difficult time, will always be appreciated by her family.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, West Weber Cemetery.