Thelma N. Okerlund

Salina, Utah - Our angel mother and grandmother, Thelma Nielsen Okerlund, age 97, left this life to join her eternal companion, Dent Okerlund on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at her home in Salina. She was born July 25, 1910, a daughter of Hans Carl (Charles) and Frances Elizabeth Evans Nielsen in Salina, Utah, where she lived her entire life. After graduating from North Sevier High School in 1929, she married her high school sweetheart Orson Dent Okerlund on October 29, 1932 in Salina. This marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on July 20, 1951. They were blessed with two daughters, LaDawn and DeNeece. Dent was called home on November 30, 1975. “Grandma O” was well known to the neighborhood children as the “peppermint lady”. Almost daily they would knock on her door for a little pink peppermint candy. Any visitor will remember her great cooking and hospitality. No one ever left her home hungry. She left her love for Jesus Christ and her family as a legacy to her children. She loved to read, quilt and embroidery before losing her eye sight. Because of her humble nature, she would never acknowledge her own strengths, talents and courage. Grandma O is survived by her children: LaDawn and Joe McGee of Provo.; DeNeece and Stan Simpson of Salina; 7 grandchildren: Kevin and Jamie Simpson, Lori and Trent Hallows, Stuart Wind, Steven and Alice Wind, David and Brynja Wind, Michelle Bishop, John and Jennifer Wind; 25 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is the last survivor of seven children. Dean Nielsen, Vern Nielsen, Lynn C. Nielsen, Virgie E. Nielsen, Richard L. Nielsen and Roger E. Nielsen all precede her in death and await her arrival. Her departure brings us sorrow, but joy in knowing she is again with her sweetheart and loved ones. We want to thank Gunnison Valley Hospice for their loving and tender care in helping with mother. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 12 Noon in the Salina LDS Stake Center, 98 West 400 North in Salina. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home, 150 East Main Street in Salina, Friday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the Stake Center Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Salina Eastside Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnison, Utah.