Nona Ruth Farr Nielson
On January 21, 2023, Nona Ruth Farr Nielson passed away. She was 66 years old. Nona was born in Mesa, Arizona, and was raised in Ajo, Arizona by her parents, Herand Karl Farr and Melba Corrine McRae Farr. She is survived by her Husband, Kent Nielson, and her nine children, Adam, Bridgette, Caleb, Dantzel, Ephraim, Frank, Gideon, Hannah, and Isaac, her many grandchildren that loved her so much, and her five siblings.
She always had big dreams for herself. She moved from her warm home state to Utah in order to pursue a degree in elementary education at BYU. As she made Utah her home, she met the love of her life and her husband-to-be, Kent Nielson of Worland, Wyoming where they both worked at a computer manufacturing company. Together these two created a beautiful family. In creating that family, Nona had a new passion: Her children and their education. Having their second child born profoundly deaf really energized the pioneer in Nona. She devoted her time to making sure that her children were not separated.
Realizing her two oldest would not be able to be in the same school, she decided to homeschool. She realized she was going to have to learn sign language and she did. She brought her family into a church congregation for the deaf. This was without precedence. All of the families in this group consisted of deaf adults with hearing children. This was a first of a family with hearing parents and a deaf child to join this group.
It was inspiring that any problem Nona ran into or was curious about, you would find her reading a book about it. The book would move around the house as the bookmark progressed to the book’s end.
Nona will be remembered for many things. There were times when her children were having issues with learning and she was always their voice of reason. She was constantly encouraging her children to be the best they could be. Her children always knew they could depend on her for anything. Whether it be pep talks, new foods to try, new movies to watch, or planning amazing parties all throughout the year (especially CHRISTMAS), she was always there to support, love, and congratulate. As her children loved joking, she became their first audience. If you were a “hoot,” the jokes were landing! Despite her having such a large family, Nona made each of her children feel like a shining star.
Nona was known for her strong faith as well. Upon her passing, she was a member of the Dry Creek Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a Primary teacher at various wards and a Primary leader in a stake for the Church. She brought her teaching tools with her and excelled as a teacher for those wards. Having six boys, she was a cub scout leader for over 12 years and a cub scout commissioner for several years. In the scouting program, she was awarded the Silver Beaver and District Award of Merit. Having three girls, she also served as a teacher and leader in the Young Women’s organization for several years as well. She wanted to take in as much as possible to better the lives of her children, which she did every single day.
Everything that Nona touched became something so exciting and enjoyable. Every single person she has met can say, she touched their hearts in so many ways. Nona had a smile that lit up any room she was in. She was beautiful and always so elegant in how she handled things. The joy she brought to our lives can never be replaced. The love that she gave can never be replaced. Nona was a true treasure. How blessed we are to have had someone that makes saying goodbye so hard.
“We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives. We are merely in different rooms.”
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or any organizations or projects that uplift those in need or suffering whether locally or worldwide.