Ronald Jay & Lani Jeanne Smith Nelson

Funeral Service Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERdzIyhfv-I Ronald Jay Nelson and Lani Jeanne Smith Nelson were beloved parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and friends. They were unified in life and in death, passing away together in a tragic accident on February 21, 2024, in West Valley City, Utah at the ages of 77 and 78 respectively. Ron was born in Norton, Kansas on May 15, 1946, to Kenneth Murl Nelson and Bertha Evelyn Bivens. He never met a stranger. He aptly earned the nickname “Bud,” which he carried throughout his life. In his youth he was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had a great love for the gospel and the U.S. Constitution. For him, the freedoms found living the principles of both were inseparable and divine. He valued honesty and hard work. These traits were reflected in all he did in life, especially in running his businesses, Nelson Refining Systems and Pioneer Recycling Services. Lani was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on December 25, 1945, to Don Lavelle Smith and Mildred Jane Erickson. She was a teacher by trade and by choice. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Sociology and received a teaching certificate from Brigham Young University. She served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Paris, France Mission. After their marriage, Lani left public education but continued to be a teacher, using her teaching skills to guide and tutor her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. English was her favorite subject and she taught countless children how to read. She enjoyed reading, card games, and dark chocolate. She loved music and liked listening to her grandchild play their musical instruments. On June 24, 1963, Ron married his first sweetheart, Ursula Kramer in Provo, Utah. Their short time together was spent in Sandy, Utah where they were blessed with five children before Ursula passed away in 1972. Lani’s love and strength enriched this young family and after a short courtship, Ron and Lani were married on January 26, 1973, in the Provo Utah Temple. Lani was a loving mother and embraced his five children as her own. They had 10 more children and spent the next 51 years loving and caring for their growing family. Their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was an integral part of their lives. Both served in various organizations and in the temple. They had great faith in Jesus Christ and modern-day prophets. The legacy they would wish to leave for all their family and friends is to know that they are loved. They are loved by heavenly parents, a Savior, Jesus Christ and by them. That separation in life is not the end. The love and caring Ron and Lani gave while on the earth will continue from beyond the veil. They are survived by their children, Frank (Joy), Brent (Cynthia), Colby (Autumn), Matthew, Shayne (Tina), Spencer (Jennifer), Melaine (Jacob) Hiatt, Clint (Natalie), Camille (Chad) Farnsworth, Dallin (Brittney), Alicia (Erik) Pearson and Kaylie (Curt) Sundell; 70 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; son-in-law Max Harding; and daughters-in-law Kimberly DeVries and Keri Nelson. They were preceded in death by their children, Edwin, Mark and Melissa Harding; and daughters-in-law Rebecca and Amber. Friends and family may come to honor the loving lives of this couple at a viewing on Sunday, March 3 from 6 to 8 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 9626 N 6800 W, Highland UT. The funeral will be held on Monday, March 4 at 11 am at the same location. A short viewing will be held prior to the services from 9 am to 10:30 am. Interment will be at the Sandy City Cemetery located at 9200 S 700 E, Sandy, Utah.