Arta Nielson

Arta Nielson, age 91, of Rigby, died Saturday, May 24, 2008, at Homestead assisted Living of Rigby. Arta was born October 6, 1916 at Oxford, Idaho a daughter to Amos Howell Lewis and Ruth Porritt Lewis. Arta grew up in Oxford Idaho one of nine children. She attended school there and was very close to her five sisters and three brothers. They were a farming family and hard work was something she knew and instilled in her family by precept and example. She married Leland Nels Nielson, March 9, 1934 at Soda Springs, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. Arta and her husband Lee lived and worked on many farms and ranches in southern Idaho during the early years of their marriage. They were living in southern California during World War II when their oldest daughter Tamara was born. In the late 1940’s they were living on a ranch in Conant valley where their oldest son Scott was born. In 1954 they moved to Ririe where Lee worked for an implement dealer and it was there that their youngest son Nick came into the family. They lived in Ririe for the remainder of their lives. Arta was an accomplished seamstress and sewed for many members of the community as well as for her family. There were always numerous handicraft projects underway for her children and grandchildren for Christmas, birthdays and other occasions. She enjoyed camping and traveling with her family. She worked for the Ririe Merc for several years and then later in Idaho Drug in Rigby. She was an active member of the LDS church and served for many years in the Relief Society organization. She was always giving or doing for someone. Arta was loved by her friends, neighbors and family for her unfailing sweet, kind and caring nature. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would always place a bright light in her eyes as she would bounce them on her knee and sing “Ride a stick horse to Banbury cross” or “I love you a bushel and a peck”. She thirsted for learning and taught her children the value and importance of education. She spent many hours working with them on school subjects and homework as they grew. Arta was a devoutly loyal wife and an ideal mother, sister and grandmother. She had a delightful sense of humor and a wonderful disposition. All who have known her have been touched and blessed by her life. Survivors include: one daughter Tamara Lee Boyle of Rigby, two sons Scott L. (Gladys) Nielson of Rigby and Nick (Linda) Nielson of Pocatello, three sisters: Erva Kennedy of Las Vegas, Nevada, Gloria (Frank) Landvatter of Bountiful, Utah, and Opal Lawrence of LasVegas, Nevada, 17 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, 3 brothers and a daughter. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in the Rigby 8th Ward Church, 364 North 4100 East, Rigby, with Bishop Gary Campbell officiating. The family will visit with friends at the 8th Ward Church, Wednesday, May 28th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Church. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.