Betty Nelson Ogden

Betty Renee Emilia Nelson Ogden passed away December 28, 2023, from complications due to age. She was born May 10, 1931, in Grantsville, Utah to Rollin John Nelson and Amanda Bloomberg Nelson. She was very proud of her pioneer heritage (she would let you know she was a descendant of John Rowberry) and her Swedish ancestry.

She graduated from Grantsville High School in 1949 and from Utah State University, class of 1954, in Elementary Education and Library Science. She taught school in Corine and Magna, Utah and U.S. Military bases in Okinawa, Japan and Dugway, Utah. When she was in Okinawa she traveled to many other locations and loved talking about the places she’d been and sights she had seen. She met her husband, Bert, on a blind date, when they were both working in Dugway. They married July 25, 1963. 

She retired from Tooele High School in 1987 as a librarian and was a substitute teacher for many years after that. The students called her Mrs. O and the teachers enjoyed the long, funny notes she would write after a day of subbing. 

Betty was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held many positions. She loved the 5th ward and thought of them all as extended family. She will be remembered for all the service she provided to those in the ward and in Grantsville. She was always aware of those who needed a little extra help and she tried to provide it.  She was the answer to many prayers without knowing it.

Betty loved to cook and would take meals and desserts to anyone in need. Her favorite book was a cookbook and she loved collecting and trying new recipes, especially desserts. Bert said he never ate the same meal twice the first few years of their marriage.  She also enjoyed eating fresh tomatoes and cantaloupe from her garden. Her other hobbies included walking, often with a bag to pick up garbage as she went, sewing/crafting and helping others. She enjoyed attending the Grantsville Sociable and didn’t miss a year. She had a subtle sense of humor that would catch you off guard and she loved to make others laugh. 

Betty was a dedicated mother and spent her life in service to her special needs daughter, Candace, and was always supportive of Rita's and Brad’s endeavors. She was also a devoted grandmother to her granddaughter, Merritt, and she loved to play games with her. 

She is survived by her sister, Corrine Wunderli, her children Brad, Candace, and Rita (Dave), her granddaughter, Merritt, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Bert, brothers Russell (Ruth), Wayne (Marie) and Johnny (Bernadine).

A dessert party in Betty’s honor will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 4:00-6:00 pm at the LDS Stake Center at 115 Cherry Street. The program will be at 5:00 PM. Betty was buried at the Grantsville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Special Olympics or the Tooele County Food Bank.