Marilyn Esther Tolman Nelson

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, Marilyn Esther Tolman Nelson, age 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday May 15, 2016 surrounded by her family.  She will be greatly missed by her family on earth and joyfully welcomed by those who went before her.
Marilyn was born on July 30, 1938 in Boise, Idaho to Orville Hunt and Mary Esther Tolman. Her family of three soon moved to California and over the years welcomed seven more children. Marilyn spent most of her youth in Bell and Maywood, California. As a child, Marilyn loved family home evenings. She fondly remembered gospel discussions, laughter, and eating the best desserts that would melt in her mouth. Her childhood family learned to appreciate each other and share their talents. Marilyn was a fun-loving, red-head who loved to do cartwheels, roller skate and read books.  She had aspirations of growing up to be a teacher and a roller derby queen.  Marilyn was the elementary school champion in the game of jacks. From a young age she was a great help to her mother in household chores and caring for her younger siblings.
By the time Marilyn entered high school she was already a talented pianist who accompanied several school choirs. She also participated in singing, plays, sports, the Honor Society, the Girl's Athletic Association and won several speech contests. After speaking at her high school graduation in 1956, she left home to attend Brigham Young University where she later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. Following college graduation, she taught at South Gate Junior High School in Los Angeles.  
During the summer of 1962, Marilyn decided to take additional classes at BYU and met her sweetheart, Lee. They were engaged after a five week courtship. During their five month engagement they saw each only four times! Marilyn married Lee on February 23, 1963 in the Los Angeles temple and they had a wonderful life together. Together they made their first home in Willcox, Arizona and later lived in Los Angeles for several years before settling in Bountiful, Utah where they raised their children.  
Marilyn placed God first in her life and did her best to honor and serve Him. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many callings including Relief Society President and ordinance worker in the Bountiful Temple for several years. Being a wife, mother, and grandmother were her top priorities. She once said, "I was extremely excited when each child was born. Lee and I felt that we had been given the most precious gift the Lord could give us."  As she raised her family, Marilyn enjoyed accompanying choirs and vocal soloists and teaching piano lessons. In later years, she enjoyed substitute teaching at Bountiful Junior High and Viewmont High School.
As a grandmother she enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren by giving them goodies and letting them do what they wanted – within limits.  She had a special love for babies, and her youngest grandchild was always the favorite.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Lafayette Lee Nelson; seven children – Lee (Elaine) Nelson of Idaho Falls, Merriann (Ken) Isaac of Bountiful, Sheri (Steve) Seljaas of Bountiful, David (Melissa) Nelson of Price, Melissa (Robert) Miles of Syracuse, Dr. Merrilyn (LCDR USN) Nelson of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Annie (Ryan) Downard of Vernal; 23 grandchildren with another due this summer; 2 great grandchildren; and six siblings – Dee (Penny) Tolman, Ina (Eldon) Thompson, Byon (Karen) Tolman, Mark (Tammy-deceased) Tolman, Dena (Todd) Hillman, and Karen (Jim-deceased) Barton. She was preceded in death by her daughter Sarah Melinda, a sister, Debra (Randy) Stark, and her parents.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Symbii Hospice and nearby friends and neighbors for the kind and loving care of our wife and mother.
Family and friends may call at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, on Wednesday May 18, 2016 from 6 until 8 PM and on Thursday May 19, 2016 from 9:45 until 10:45 AM at the Bountiful Utah Stake Center, 51 South Main Street. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment at Bountiful Cemetery.