Karen Danielle Nelson

Our darling special needs daughter, Karen Danielle Nelson, was born April 17, 1981, in Bountiful, Utah and died at McKay Dee Hospital February 21, 2026. We were fortunate to have her as long as we did. We want to thank R.I.T.E.S. and Imber that loved her and made her days so fun as well as Harmon’s in Roy, Utah where she loved having a job with them for ten years. She fulfilled her dream of moving out to live with her friends for 8 months, feeling like a fully independent adult. She had a full, happy life thanks to all who worked so lovingly with her. We miss her so much but are comforted knowing she is out of pain knowing she is dancing, walking and flying in heaven. She is survived by her parents, Ronda and Lamont Nelson; her siblings Kris (Perry) Carter, Mark (Elizabeth) Nelson, Newel (Marina) Nelson, Tonya (Todd) Fenwick, Celena (Brad) Shafer, Michael (Janaly) Nelson, and Gayla (Nathan) Johansen as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Karen’s life began with drama. She had to be taken by emergency c-section 6 weeks before her due date because of complications, including heart failure. She was quickly flown to Primary Children’s Hospital. She spent a lot of time during her childhood at Primary Children’s hospital. Her family loved their new baby girl and spent a lot of time and resources learning together how to care for her. They needed to work together, following Ronda’s lead, to do physical, occupational and speech therapy and the result was the miracle of Karen being able to walk and talk. Quite frankly, all of Karen’s life was a miracle especially considering the many issues she faced. It was really quite a blessing that we were able to have her with us for more than 44 years.

Because of the loving care of her family, especially her mother and father, she was able to enjoy and do so much in her life. She attended J.A. Taylor Elementary, South Davis Junior High and Woods Cross High where she proudly received her high school certificate at age 21. She loved being involved in Special Needs Primary, Friend to Friend drama productions as well as going to Palisade Pals. She also found great joy in Special Olympics, spending 20 years as an athlete. She was so proud of each medal she earned. Her dad worked with her team in Special Olympics, and she gave him the new name of “Coach”.

Karen was very good at social networking. Everywhere she went, there were people who knew her and loved her. She always wanted to know the scoop on what was happening in her family and with friends. Frequently, family news was spread, sometimes inadvertently, by Karen. She had a zest for life, and it was never dull with Karen. One fond memory we will always have is that when The Star-Spangled Banner was sung in sacrament meeting, Karen would complete the song by calling out “Play ball!” and we all secretly loved it.

Ronda and Lamont treated Karen like a princess, when she would let them. Sometimes she would let Ronda put cute dresses on her, but Karen’s true style was tom boy. She loved to know what was cool and wear that.

Karen’s faith, a result of her parent’s teachings, was a simple one: “Go to church and don’t drink beer. Jesus loves me. I’m a child of God and I’ll go back to him when I die.” Now, she is living that faith as she has returned to her Heavenly Father. Although it is so hard for us to say goodbye to our Karen, we know she is delighted to be in the arms of Jesus.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Centerville, Canyon Ward Chapel, 160 S. 300 E. Visitation for friends and family will be held Thursday, March 5th from 6-8 pm at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. and Friday at the Church from 9:30- 10:30 am prior to services. Interment will be at the Centerville City Cemetery.