Obituary of Ila Steiner Nielson

Ila Steiner Nielson, mother of ten, was joyfully reunited with her sweetheart on August 9, 2014. Our mom was an exceptional woman who devoted her entire life to the service of others. Growing up, she helped care for six younger siblings. Upon marrying Leslie Wilford Nielson in 1940, she bore 10 children in 13 years, completing her family by the age of 30. She worked hard both inside and outside the home to help provide for our large family. Mom later went to work at the American Fork Training School, where she again spent her days in the service of others. When grandkids arrived, she spent countless hours crafting beautiful hand-made gifts each Christmas, even as the pool of grandchildren grew to 41. She loved sewing and crafts. She became skilled at making ceramics, but is best remembered for the more than 200 porcelain dolls she created. She would fire the porcelain, paint the dolls and then make beautiful clothes for each doll without even using a pattern. When each of her granddaughters married, she would study the wedding dress and create a bride doll wearing a replica of the granddaughter’s dress. She has 41 grandchildren and 99 great grandchildren. She was never happier than when she she was surrounded by her family. In a handwritten note to us, she wrote, “When I’m gone, get together often and have family reunions so the cousins will know each other.” She is preceded in death by our father Leslie, her mother, father, stepmother, two sisters, and four grandchildren. She leaves behind her ten children and their spouses, Joe & Sally, Terry & Darla, Bud & Renae, Sandra & Chip, Jim & Katie, Beverly, Darlene & Marvin (deceased), Vickie & Kelly, Steve, and Debbie & Danny. Her living example of love and devotion has shaped all of our lives. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Hillcrest 3rd Ward, 1120 North 150 West, American Fork. A viewing will be held Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork and Wednesday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in American Fork Cemetery.