Alice Genevieve Thompson Nelson passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2023, at the age of 102 in Castleford, Idaho. She was born on Feb. 7, 1921, in Brigham City, Utah, to Claude Monroe Thompson and Elfreda Tanner Thompson. Alice was named after her maternal grandmother Alice M. Tyler Tanner and took great pride in her pioneer heritage as a descendant of Daniel Tyler and John Tanner.
Alice had a fulfilling and vibrant life. Alice attended Woodward Elementary School and Junior High and Dixie High and Dixie College in St. George, Utah. Alice played the violin in the orchestra and loved being in skits and plays and dancing in assembly programs. In the ninth grade, she met a blonde, curly-headed, big blue-eyed boy by the name of LeGrande Nelson and her “heart flipped.”
While in school Alice won a “Bathing Beauty Parade” contest (while standing atop a moving car) and then won the “Miss St. George” pageant and had the privilege as Miss St. George of traveling to Salt Lake to meet with President Heber J. Grant. She also loved attending dances where Bonnie (LeGrande) was playing in the dance band. Alice loved St. George and always considered it her “home,” no matter where she lived.
Alice and Edward LeGrande Nelson were married on Oct. 28, 1941, in St. George and were later sealed in the St. George Temple on Jan. 27, 1943. They were married for 67 years before LeGrande passed away in 2008. Alice and LeGrande made their home first in Logan, Utah, where daughter Judy was born, then moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, where daughter Shari and son Larry were born. They raised their family in Twin Falls and have many wonderful family memories of camping, fishing, school activities, trips, playing games, and fun holidays.
Alice’s children remember her attentive and loving support in all that she did for them as their mother. She was always one to volunteer, to drive, to make and to do for her children, to represent, or just be there, and her children knew that she would always be happy to do all the above. She was the heart of the home and was always there to tend to everyone’s needs and to make home a safe haven for all who lived there and for those who visited. As their children left for school, married and had families, Alice and LeGrande supported and loved them in all that they were doing. Alice loved being a grandmother and considered the addition of each “grand” and “great” child heaven-sent.
Alice and LeGrande moved to Mesa, Arizona, in 1992 and continued to create lasting memories with family and friends until LeGrande passed away in 2008. Alice lived in Mesa until 2019 when she moved to Gilbert, Arizona, to live with her daughter, Judy, and son-in-law, Grant. Throughout this time Alice continued to treasure her family and many dear friends, she served in the Mesa Temple, held callings in the church, she loved attending grandchildren’s concerts, games, and plays, and she could be found delivering meals to neighbors and friends even in her 90s.
Alice was known for being a wonderful cook, for making delicious pies – or whatever dish or treat was the favorite of the child or grandchild visiting, and for adding a special touch to everything she made. She was known for her selfless, kind, and gracious ways and she exhibited great strength, faith, and good cheer in the face of trials. She treasured her testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and she knew that her Heavenly Father and Savior knew her and loved her. She adored each of her three children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren and now seven (soon to be 10) great-great-grandchildren. She in turn was adored by them all.
Alice is survived by her loving children Judy (Grant), Shari (Curt – predeceased), and Larry (Lori – predeceased, Ann). She also leaves behind a legacy of 16 favorite grandchildren and spouses, a multitude of great-grandchildren and soon-to-be great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Alice’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, at noon, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building, 290 South 700 East, St. George, Utah.
Following the service, interment will take place at the St. George City Cemetery.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to click here to leave a memory. Flowers may be sent directly to Spilsbury Mortuary.
Alice Genevieve Nelson will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her loved ones.