Joan Duffin Nelsen Obituary (1927 - 2013)

Joan Duffin Nelsen, age 85, quietly slipped through the bonds of her mortal existence on Wednesday, June 5, 2013. She was born on December 3, 1927 to Stanley and Harriet Taylor Duffin. The second of four children, she adored her older brother Kent and was the Protector of her younger sisters, Elaine and Marilyn. A bully of her sister Elaine learned this first hand after school when she was confronted by Joan and told to "not lay a finger on Elaine" she reached over and touched Elaine! Joan then punched her in the face. She married her sweetheart Merlin Nelsen on June 30, 1948 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They enjoyed over 50 years together until Merlin passed away in May of 1999. They were blessed with 5 very spirited children. Joan retired from Mountain Bell in 1987 where she enjoyed a rewarding career and many friendships she has always cherished. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings, which included working in Young Women's, Primary, and Relief Society. She served a service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for 10 years, where she met people from all over the world and shared her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was a friend to many, and often would befriend the least likely of souls especially as she rode Trax. She loved to watch the UTES play football and basketball, loved going to the symphony and "Club" She is survived by her children, Shane, Dyke (Julie), Annette Perry, Jaena Hanson, Tresa (Benjamin) Brown; 7 grandsons; 1 granddaughter; 2 3/4 great-grandchildren; and her adopted sister Zella. Preceded in death by her husband; brother, Kent Duffin; sister, Elaine Nelson; and sister, Marilyn Baird. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 10th at 11:30 a.m. at the Murray 3rd Ward Chapel, 146 East 4600 South (Brown Street), Murray, Utah. Friends may call Sunday June 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street, and Monday, June 10th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. The family would like to thank Ana and Nubia from Intermountain Hospice for the love and kindness extended to our mother. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.jenkins-soffe.com.