Elna Maughan Leishman Nielsen

HYRUM – Elna, our loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor and friend, passed away peacefully while sleeping on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. Elna was the oldest of ten children born to Elmer Archibald and Rena Poppleton Maughan Leishman on March 2, 1925. She graduated from South Cache High School, then worked at the Ogden Defense Depot during World War II. When Eldon Jay Nielsen returned from the Navy, they were married in the Logan LDS Temple on June 28, 1946. Elna enjoyed cook-outs with her family and friends, spending time with the "the gang", and quilting with her sisters. Her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints brought her great joy as she served willingly in many callings throughout her life. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Eldon; and by her children and their spouses: Kent Louise Nielsen, Roy; Dale Jody Nielsen, Richmond; Dallas Julie Nielsen, Hyrum; Janese Alan Nielsen, Hyrum; Bonita Dan Richins, Richmond; 25 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren at the present. She is also survived by her siblings: LaVay Leland Larson, Mendon; Courtney Pat Leishman, Provo; Shirley Ronald, deceased Jensen, Mendon; Sherry Elmer, deceased Tibbitts, Millville; Renee Sharon Bingham, Logan; Rena John, deceased Murray, Wellsville; Kay Janie Leishman, Salt Lake; Linda Jerry Coleman, Ogden. Elna was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Thomas Kent, her son Gardell, her granddaughter Amy N. Nielsen, her grandson Jeffrey Richins, and her great-grandson Brendan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 30, 2010 at the Hyrum Stake Center, 600 South 200 East, Hyrum, Utah. Friends and family may call Thursday evening, April 29, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 North, Logan and Friday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com