OREM– Ellna LaRitta Nielsen Anderson passed away Jan. 25, 2013, surrounded by her husband and family following a sudden illness.

She was born Sept. 1931, in Moroni; daughter of Ephraim and Venetta Nielsen.

She enjoyed growing up in Moroni and had many fond memories of her life there. She received an associate degree from Snow College and worked at both the turkey plant and the feed company in Moroni during those years.

Ellna met Ernel LeRoy Anderson, Fairview; at a dance in The Old Bungalow in Moroni, where he recognized her as his future bride.

They were married in the Manti LDS Temple in November 1952, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Ellna and Ernel raised their family in Provo and Orem and are the proud parents of seven wonderful children: Mitzi (and Kurt) Cox; Mark; Kim (and Jamie) Anderson: Nan (and Lavon) Allen; Eric; Jan (and Kristin) Anderson; and Keri (and Nathan) Guinn.

Additionally, she was a loving grandmother of 27 accomplished grandchildren and 16 beautiful great-grandchildren. Her surviving brother, Burke (Dixie), still live in Moroni. Ellna’s life was filled with service to family and others.Her family will always remember the great meals she taught herself to cook as a new bride and mother and admire her exemplary housekeeping abilities. She served in many callings in the church and influenced many people for good. She also retained a close relationship with her childhood friends and many she loved from her time working at Wolfe’s Sporting Goods.

Ernel and Ellna enjoyed traveling after retirement and before physical limitations inhibited her.Ernel was always a devoted caregiver to his “Princess” in her later years.

She was met in heaven by her parents; brother, Allen; and sisters, Marysene and Joyce.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, in the Vermont LDS Ward, 400 North 400 East, Orem.

Ellna will be interred at the Orem City Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.walkersanderson.com.