Nezla Nielsen Smith Erekson

January 26, 1952 – April 24, 2024

With loving hearts we celebrate the life of Nezla Erekson. Her compassion and optimism blessed the lives of all those who were fortunate enough to know her. From her birth on January 26, 1952, in Wallace, Idaho to her return to her Heavenly Father on April 24, 2024, Nezla exemplified the attributes that defined her life: loving, kind, faithful, resilient, and organized. Her life was a living testament of her faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As stated in Proverbs 31:28, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Nezla married David Smith, her high school sweetheart on June 16, 1972. They had three amazing children before divorcing in 1987. She devoted the next phase of her life to raising her children as a single working mother. In 1992 she met her eternal companion, Al Erekson, they were married December 26, 1992.

Nezla was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She lovingly served in numerous ward callings throughout her lifetime. Alongside her husband Al, she spent 18 months as inner-city service missionaries in Salt Lake City. Nezla’s professional career spanned 33 years at the JCPenney Accounting Center in Salt Lake City until her retirement in 2007. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, she excelled in every task she undertook, leaving a positive impact on everything she touched.

Nezla was an avid reader who always had a stack of books on her nightstand. She was an amazing seamstress who has sewn shirts for her husband, dresses for her mother-in-law, costumes for her children, and she could mend anything brought to her. She was a world traveler and never turned down an opportunity for adventure. For the last 20 years Nezla and Al poured all their resources, time, and love into building and operating a family farm. This family farm is a peaceful sanctuary for those she loves.

Nezla is survived by her husband, Al, daughter, Stephanie Mansfield (Jason), daughter Kimberly Rosenberg (Ryan), son, Tennyson Smith (Heather), and sister, Claetra Howcroft (Steve). She was blessed with 9 grandchildren, Kelsey, Tyson, Abby, Kaden, Ashton, Alyssa, Weston, Gage, Jaden. She is preceded in death by her parents and many other relatives waiting for her on the other side.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00am with a viewing prior to services from 9:30-10:30am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 461 N 300 W Mount Pleasant, Utah. Family and friends may gather at a viewing to be held Friday evening, May 3, 2024 from 6:00-8:00pm at the same chapel. Interment in the Murray City Cemetery. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com.