Iva Ann Shields

Iva Ann Nielsen Shields, 89, of American Fork, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was born November 9, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Andrew Alma Nielsen and Ivie Eleanora Olson Nielsen, the youngest of 7 children. She was raised in Vernon, Utah, where she had the distinction of attending a one-room school house, before later graduating from Tooele High School. She also had the distinction of being one of the first in the valley to contract the Polio virus, spending many months in the then recently opened "new" Primary Children's Medical Hospital, and being told she would never walk again. She proved that prediction wrong, and though she walked with a limp, she never let it slow her down.

She married her eternal companion Romulus Doyle Shields on September 16, 1954, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Ann and Doyle moved their family to American Fork in 1955 and truly found a home and community they loved, Raising their two beloved children there. Among other church and community service, Ann was known for actively volunteering with the American Fork Pageant of the Arts during all of its 20 seasons, spending over 15 years volunteering at American Fork Hospital, and was also instrumental in preparing American Fork: The Growing Years for publication.

Ann served as a newspaper correspondent for over 50 years, covering everything from the local school sports teams, church leaders, and school board meetings, to pop stars and infamous criminals, earning herself countless local and national awards, the appreciation of many, but most importantly, creating many lasting friendships as well.

She is survived by her children, Craig (Sharleen) Shields, Gleanne (Dan) Taylor, 5 grandchildren, Annaleise (Steven) Dearinger, Nicole (Brad) Washburn, Nathan (Jenni) Shields, Andrew (Jenna) Shields, and CarolAnn (Shane) Mower, as well as 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she treasured. She was preceded in death by Doyle, her siblings Earl, Eldon, Reed, Aurelia, and Melba, and several nieces and nephews.

Ann was especially grateful to Gleanne and Annaleise for the service they gave that allowed her to stay in her home to the end. She and the family are also grateful for the many other faithful friends and loved ones who called, visited, and served her in countless little ways, especially while she was homebound.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 21, 2023, at 11:00 am, in the American Fork 6th Ward, 300 North 100 East. A viewing will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 pm at the Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, AF, and Friday from 9:45 to 10:45 am prior to the services at the church. Internment will be in the American Fork Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Primary Children's Medical Center.

Please click on the link below to watch Ann's Funeral sevice via live stream:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85614011247?pwd=RFg4dXBoM3RaYjhsVXZ5U3Y1Um40UT09