Nelia Noel Dalton Storey
April 9, 1938 - October 25, 2023
Nelia Noel Dalton Storey, 85, of Salt Lake City, Utah, bounded into her Lord and Savior's arms on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, happily reuniting with her Boo Boo (husband), Phiffer (grandson), and many, many puppy and kitty loves.
Born on April 9, 1938 to Carl Richard and Velma Dalton in Salt Lake City, Utah, beginning her adventurous life.
Nelia described her younger years as “not quite normal.” Nelia recalled spending time in Whiteriver, Arizona on a reservation, Des Moines, Iowa and Nebraska with family while growing up.
Nelia had many interests throughout her life though her main passion was her love and work in Nursing. Nelia attended Westminster College and Wheaton College for nurses training where she jumpstarted a long and successful career, and met her sweetheart, Robert, who was working as an orderly at the hospital of her first nursing job. Nelia worked in several areas in nursing but found the most joy in advocating for women’s health as an OBGYN nurse for over 30 years at the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare. Nelia became a Research Coordinator for Jean Brown and Associates and spoke at National NAACOG meetings. Nelia fondly recalled one of her proudest moments was when a drug company interviewed her and told her that he had gotten her name from the FDA, noting that the FDA reported that Nelia was the only person they had encountered that had an FDA audit and had to change nothing in the charts or records. After retirement, Nelia continued to share her knowledge, expertise, and advice to any who asked.
Nelia loved and valued every moment she got to spend with her family. Nelia often shared that her favorite times were when her family all came together for birthdays and holidays. Nelia used to say, “I always loved to watch everyone interacting. I didn’t need to know what was being said, I just loved watching my family all together.” Nelia always wanted her grandchildren to “come sit on my lap so I can rock you,” no matter how old they were. Nelia spent so much time caring for her grandchildren and loved every second of it. Nelia always made sure that all family members felt loved, warm, and welcome no matter what.
Most of all, Nelia was a true believer and hard worker for God. Nelia saw every place she lived in as an evangelistic opportunity. Nelia spread the Word of God with everyone she could, was a strong prayer warrior to anyone who needed it, enjoyed studying the Bible, and used God’s love to love others. Nelia would meet people who needed to learn about God, get to know them, and add them to her family as her “kids.” Nelia loved sharing stories about a new “kid” she met and continued to pray and think about them until she went home to Jesus.
When we think of Nelia, several things come to mind. Nelia will forever be known for her limitless vocabulary, love of snuggles and fuzzy socks and blankies, adoration of cats, puzzles in any way shape or form, cleverness, and wit, hilarious sense of humor, book lover, collector of odd items such as buttons or earring backs, genuine knowledge of endless topics, and unconditional love of all. Nelia could always make us laugh and was there to hold us when we cried. Nelia was an advocate, a listening ear, an advice giver, an artist, the definition of strength, a Multiple Sclerosis warrior, a breast cancer survivor, and a true light to all.
She will truly, genuinely be missed, but we are so happy that she is jumping, leaping, and dancing with Jesus. Nelia’s wish is that the biggest thing we hold onto after her passing is first and foremost a strong relationship with Christ, to seek His guidance, and to be kind to all.
Remembered by her three children Jeff (Tina) Storey, Dave (Shelly) Storey and Robyn Toth (Robert Moran); four grandchildren, Jesse Storey, Sean (Megan) Storey, Ryan (Katie) Toth, and Megan (MJ) Tineo; and five great grandchildren Daisha, Oceanna, Hazel, Zakk, and James.
It has been an absolute blessing to hear how many lives Nelia (and Bob) touched and how much of a light and impact she was to all she met. We have heard that she was sweet, incredible, a true gem, a sweet soul, beautiful, amazing, a blessing, an inspiration, a friend to all, a lover of Jesus, and so much more. If this amazing and unforgettable woman touched your life, we invite you to please come celebrate her wonderful 85 years of life with us on November 18, 2023 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance on the north side of the building. The remarks shared by family and friends during the Celebration can be viewed by clicking the 'Watch Now' button that will appear during the service.
In Loving Memory
So sorry for your loss. I think she is in the best place ever. Scott Toth
I had the privilege of working with Nelia at Intermountain Healthcare. She is everything you describe in your beautiful tribute. A genuinely kind person who shared her many gifts with all. We actually moved into her work space and -- what could have been very difficult -- was a gift to me and my nurse midwife colleagues that keeps on giving. Her photo captures it all. We are all better for knowing her.
To the family, Nelia worked with me in my medical practice for more years than I can remember. She was, indeed, the spark that made everything go. She was also loved by all came our way. We had plenty of good times together in that practice. She will not be forgotten and unless I miss y guess, I'll be seeing her soon. Richard Hebertson, M.D.
What a precious lady. For a couple of years I had the privilege of calling and talking with her as a ministry of our church. In fact, there is a group of nearly twenty seniors I get to check on from time to time, but Nelia was among my very favorites. I called to encourage her and went away having been blessed and encouraged myself. Sometimes, when a loved one has passed, you hear people say to the family, "I'm sorry for your loss." Remember, you can't lose someone when you know where they are--and we know where Nelia is now. Bless you with a full measure of God's comfort.
To refer to Dear Nelia as a great lady is at best an understatement. To just be in her presence and be able to spend even a few moments with her always felt like a warm and welcoming hug, a sanctuary from the difficult things in life at times. Our family was some of "her kids" and we felt the times that she spent in prayer for us, lifting our needs up to the Lord. She always knew when we needed her intercession without even being around us. She always prayed for our children, but made a special effort to be sure that I knew she prayed for all of us. It was common for her to see me on Sunday at church and he+ say, "the Lord woke me up last night with your family on my mind and I spent time praying for you." Yes, she was a true prayer warrior, friend, advisor and "generally a true lover of people". To her family, we are praying that God comforts your hearts as you adjust to her passing. We pray he brings many lovely memories of her to mind for you. You were truly blessed with the time that she was here. She made the world a better place. May you be comforted with the peace that only God can give. We welcome the day when we can be with her again. Legoria and Jack
I was lucky enough to b Nelia’s first grandchild. In some of my earliest memories she spoiled me rotten and it seemed like I was her perfect little angel. Then my brother came along. It wasn’t just me anymore, but it was alright because she had so much love to give and there was still room for more Grandma loved the time she got to spend with family and created so many memories to last a lifetime. From the trips to Bryce Canyon, Puerto Vallarta, and Disney World, to the way she always insisted that I sit on her lap, even into her later years. I’m gonna miss her smile, her laugh, her listening ear, and all of her wisdom and advise. I am lucky to have had her in my life and will always miss her.
In Loving Memory
