Sandra Lee Nielson

Sandra “Sandie” Lee Rollins Nielson passed away at home on Thursday, November 30, 2017 one day prior to her 75th birthday and surrounded by her eternal companion and their children. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Sandie was born in Fort Warren, near Cheyenne, Wyoming to George and Lois Rollins. Her delivery only cost $14.50, as her father was in the Navy during World War II. She moved frequently in her childhood years, living in Illinois, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. She was responsible and organized, even as a child. As the oldest of five, she frequently babysat her younger siblings. She was always a voracious reader.

Sandie was a sociable little gal and especially loved visiting older people. One of her favorite couples to visit lived next door to her Gram in Evanston. Mrs. Palmer played the piano for silent movies and would play with her most adoring fan sitting next to her on the piano bench. This began Sandie’s love for music and her desire to play the piano. Lessons began in elementary school and the flute was added in marching band during junior high and high school. She learned songs in school and came home to teach them to her younger sister. At the age of 12, she began playing the piano for primary during singing time. Her mom never had to encourage her to practice the piano, Sandie just loved music. As an adult, Sandie taught piano for many years and was also a self-taught organist. A day didn’t go by when Sandie couldn’t be found playing the piano, and the sound of her beautiful music always filled our home.

She married Marlell Alma Nielson in the Salt Lake Temple on a snowy day, April 24, 1964. Together they had two children. Sandie was a devoted wife, mother and friend. Being a loyal friend was very important to Sandie and if you were a friend of hers you were a friend for life. Sandie was always looking for ways to serve others. She and Marlell would often prepare meals for others in need. In more recent years, if Sandie knew you – or even knew of you - and you were having a baby, you would be the recipient of one of her hand crocheted bibs or blankets. Sandie loved being creative and enjoyed making crafts of all kinds.

Sandie was an active and devoted member of the LDS church. She served in many organizations both as a member of the presidency and as an instructor. She was a dedicated pianist and organist for many wards and temples. She served with Marlell in the Jordan River Temple for 14 years, the Draper Temple for 3 years and the St. George Temple for 2 years. Sandie was active in family history research and as an avid indexer recovered in excess of 265,000 names.

She is survived by her eternal companion and husband of 53 years, Marlell Nielson. She is the mother of two children, Kristin (Jack), Kelly (Amy) and grandmother of nine grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother, Lois Rollins, and preceded in death by her father, George Rollins. She is survived by 4 brothers and sisters, Pam Ritchie (Lynn), Greg Rollins, Launa Taylor (John), Kenn Rollins (Joan) and various aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 4, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Snow Canyon Stake Center, 1184 N. Dixie Downs Rd, St. George, Utah. Viewing will be held Sunday evening from 5:00 – 6:30 pm at Hughes Mortuary, 1037 E. 700 S. St. George, and prior to services Monday from 9:00 – 10:30 am at the Snow Canyon Stake Center. A family luncheon will be held immediately after services.

We express our appreciation to the medical staff at Intermountain Healthcare and Intermountain Hospice for their kindness and consideration.