Nov. 25, 1938-Jan. 29, 2024
Lois Nielson Sheets, age 85, passed away surrounded by her family on Jan. 29, 2024, in Hurricane, Utah. Lois was born in Nephi, Utah, on Nov. 25, 1938, to Phares and Ellen Elna Nielson. She graduated with honors from Wasatch Academy, attended Utah State and Brigham Young universities, graduating from BYU in 1961 with a BS in English and Library Science. She returned to BYU and completed a Master’s in Library Science in 1993. Lois married her sweetheart Leland Ogden Sheets on June 9, 1961, in the Manti Utah Temple. They are the parents of six children.
Lois grew up in Fountain Green, Utah. As the daughter of a “sheep man,” she had a deep appreciation for the Utah wool-growing industry. She loved to tell us stories of visiting her dad on the mountain in the summer sheep camp where he oversaw the herds and sheepherders.
Lois met Lee on a double-date while working at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon during the summer of 1959. After they married, they moved to Pullman, Washington. While Lee finished veterinary school at Washington State University, Lois worked as a university librarian. After Lee graduated, they spent the next 14 years in Northern California living in Marin and Santa Cruz counties. Lee expanded his veterinary practice and they started their family. Lois managed the clinic bookkeeping and their home was filled with very active and busy children. She looked back on the California years with happy memories of the family ranch and apple orchard, trips back to Utah for Lamb Day and Christmas gatherings, and serving in various church callings. She made many dear friends during this time and these friendships continued throughout her life.
In 1978 Lois and Lee moved to St. George, Utah, where they built another successful veterinary practice, continued raising their children, and enjoyed many happy times with family at Lake Powell (even though she didn’t swim) and Brianhead (even though she didn’t ski). She went along because family time was important to her, and she loved watching the rest of us have a good time. Lois said the happiest times in her life were centered around her family.
Lois loved working at the Children’s Librarian at the Washington County Library where she introduced many children to the joy of reading. She concluded her library career working as the head librarian at the Utah State Penitentiary at Gunnison, Utah, and she loved to see the reaction on people’s faces when she told them she had been to prison.
Lois loved silver and turquoise jewelry, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, books and reading, children’s books and reading to children, red cars, sheep and lambs, art, warm Diet Coke and chocolate. She had the unique ability to reach out and connect with people who needed a friend. The notes and cards she sent with her distinct handwriting and stickers brightened many people’s days.
Most of all, she loved her family and time spent with them. She made many sacrifices, which she claimed weren’t sacrifices at all, for each of us to be who we are today. She was a wonderful example of Christ-like attributes, faith, and endurance to the end. Lois, Mom, Grandma — “we seen you, and you done good!”
Lois is survived by her husband Lee (Hurricane, Utah); children: Annie (Ron) Mervis (Salt Lake City, Utah), Roger (Vivian) Sheets (St. George, Utah), Nola (Brent) Peacock (Jackson, Wyoming), Karen (David) Ipson (St. George, Utah), Emily (Traver) Maxwell (Aurora, Colorado), and Jana (Adam) Pace (Hurricane, Utah); sisters: Ellen Gianni (St. George, Utah), Mary (Paul) Anderson (Orem, Utah), and Ruth (Dan) Adamson (Pocatello, Idaho); 18 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends who were like family to her.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. at the Hurricane Heritage Chapel, 1178 South 700 West, Hurricane, Utah. A visitation will be held Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church.
Those unable to attend are invited to click here to view funeral services via the Heritage Chapel YouTube link.
Graveside services will be held Monday, February 5, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Fountain Green City Cemetery, 486 North State Street, Fountain Green, Utah.
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Click here to visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.