Gwendolyn Betty Turner Nisson, age 93, passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2014. She was born October 25, 1920 in Washington, Utah to James E. Jackson Turner and Pearl V. Stucki Tobler. She married Quentin Alexander Nisson on December 26, 1945 at the old rock church in Washington. They were sealed in the St. George Temple on March 20, 1946.
Mom lived her entire life in Washington attending school there through the eighth grade and then Dixie High School and Dixie College in St. George. She later attended BYU where she earned a degree in elementary education.
Being the firstborn in a family of 9 children, Mom was relied on heavily by her parents to help with all the farming, gardening, and household duties. Also, she took every opportunity to earn extra money to help ease the family's financial burden and to be able to go to college.
Mom suffered great tragedy in her young life, losing a baby sister to illness and the brother and sister closest to her age in vehicle related accidents.
Dad and Mom bought the store in Washington soon after their marriage and Mom spent the next 60 plus years working in the business and performing every task necessary to help keep the Washington Mercantile going. When Dad served as Bishop, funds needed to be raised for the building of a new chapel. Mom supported this effort in every way she could from baking pies and rolls to helping with the chuck wagon and dinner committees. She also supported Dad through the 14 years he served as Mayor.
Mom loved music and encouraged her children in all their musical endeavors. She was a lifelong learner and promoter of education believing it would broaden our view of the world and make for a richer life. Mom was a wonderful cook and enjoyed keeping everyone well fed and also liked making clothing and quilts for her family.
Mom was an eternal optimist and she believed in the "Golden Rule" and lived by it. Throughout her life she worked to create beauty in any little spot she could find. She loved roses and flowers of every kind, gardening and working the soil. Mom's greatest joys were found in home and family and she looked for the good in all people. She was always quick to hand out an encouraging word and a remedy for any ailment.
Mom served in many callings in the LDS Church throughout her life. She was a stake missionary and served in the stake primary and relief society as well as many ward callings. She especially enjoyed singing in the ward choirs and being a visiting teacher.
Gwen is survived by her husband Quentin, sons: Robert A. (Joanne) Nisson, Garth E. (Odette) Nisson and daughters: June (Arshal) Bowler and Mareli (Terrill) Clove all of Washington, and son: Dr. Kelvin Q. (Betty) Nisson of St. George. She has 26 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Gwen is also survived by her brothers: Rhaldo (Cindy) Turner, Jim (Lorene) Turner, Jerald (Lena) Turner and one sister: Yvonne Kendall. She was preceded in death by her brother Gar and sisters, Beverly, Kathy and Coleen, sister-in-law: Doris Turner (Rhaldo) and brothers-in-law: Britt Kendall and Herb Bentley.
The family would like to express thanks to Applegate Homehealth and Hospice for the tender care given to our dear wife and mother during these past difficult weeks. We would also like to thank Dr. Clark Staheli for his recent kind assistance.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at the Washington LDS 4th Ward Chapel, 82 N. Main Street, Washington, Utah. A visitation will be held Saturday, March 8th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Washington City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit our website www.metcalfmortuary.com.
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4 Entries
This lady will truly be missed, I knew Gwen through her paying the bills through the stores, our relationship was professional, but I have recently been associated with the great kids that she raised and you can truly tell they had a wonderful mother. My prayers and love go to Quentin and the kids. Love Lisa at Pepsi
March 19, 2014
This beautiful lady will be truly missed. She was a wonderful example of what a Chist like person should be. I loved going to the merc in the fabric dept and visiting with her. She ALWAYS had a smile and something uplifting to say. Both she and Quentin made the term "small town friendly" something that was more than just words. We will truly miss this beautiful Lady
Marilyn Wallis
March 10, 2014
I have great memories of Gwen at "the Merc" she and Quentin were so kind. My grandmother (Rokah Paxman) and my mother (Delma Paxman) both worked at the merc. She was a Great Lady.
Patti Ashworth
March 6, 2014
The fondest memories in my life were of spending summers in Washington at Uncle Quentin and Aunt Gwen's home, with my cousins.
Susan Nisson-Llewellyn
March 6, 2014
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