Denice (Steele) Nelson

Denice Steele Nelson, 82, of Ammon, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at Fairwinds Senior Living Community. She was under the care of her loving family and Alliance Home Health and Hospice.

Denice was born on April 30, 1939, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to J Harold Steele and Lois Edith Mickelsen Steele. She grew up in Iona and graduated from Bonneville High School. After high school, she attended Ricks College and graduated from BYU with a degree in Elementary Education. Later in life, she went on to earn her Master's Degree in Elementary Administration from Idaho State University.

Denice was an amazing and dedicated mother to her five children, Kris, Kathy, Mike, Karin and Jennifer. Her kids were her pride and joy. She made her home in Iona and later moved to Ammon, Idaho. She worked at several different schools throughout 33 years of teaching, retiring from Theresa Bunker Elementary in 2004.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in various callings throughout her life, showing love for the gospel and an unwavering testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Denice was a beautiful vocalist and sang throughout her life. She loved being a member of the Sounds Choir in Idaho Falls. She loved books and was an avid reader, often romancing stories that took place in the English countryside. She was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration at age 55, but still managed to read as much as possible, always finding an optimistic outlook in dealing with her visual disability.

Her positive outlook on life was contagious, Denice always set a great example of how to be a light in other peoples' lives with a charming wit and a sharp sense of humor. She loved learning and enjoyed traveling to many historical and beautiful places in the United States. Denice was well-acquainted with sacrifice, always putting her family first. While juggling raising 5 children and teaching school full time, she went back to ISU to earn her Master's Degree so she could better provide for her children. Later in life, while going through various health challenges, she was always kind and positive. She made an impression on the many doctors, nurses, and caregivers that have cared for her over the past 2 months.

Denice is survived by her sister, Janice (Lane) Hemming of Rexburg; her twin daughters, Kris Hadley of Ammon and Kathy (the late Mark) McGregor of Heber City, UT; son, Mike (Laurie) Nelson of Mapleton, UT; daughter, Karin (Hollis) Murri of Ammon; and daughter, Jennifer (Jerry) Carlson of Ammon; 19 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, with 3 more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Lois Steele, and her infant sister, Diane Steele.

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, May 8, 2021, at the Ammon 18th Ward, 4363 E. 17th Street, with Bishop J.T. Carle officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday, the 7th, from 6-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, as well as Saturday from 11-11:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery.

Services will be broadcast live via the Zoom link below:

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