Saundra Dee Nelson

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend departed from this earthly realm on a silent November night. After enduring a painful and difficult journey with pulmonary fibrosis, her body was tired and needed to rest.

Saundra was born in Afton, Wyoming to Willard Von Dee and Sylvia Nelson (née Murphy). She spent most of her life in the Liberty Wells neighborhood of Salt Lake City, attending Liberty Elementary, Lincoln Junior High School and South High School. She was the eldest of three girls and looked after her little sisters, Terri and Lisa, with a doting mother’s love. She was a huge fan of the Nancy Drew series as a young girl and horror books by Stephen King. Her most treasured childhood memories were summertime visits with Grandma and Grandpa Nelson in Spanish Fork, Utah.

She became a young mother at 19 when she had her son, Shane. In an adventurous dare shortly thereafter, she eloped with a friendly acquaintance, Robert Tyree. Their son, Josh, and daughter, Kelli, soon followed. After 11 years of marriage, she and Robert divorced. She was later married to and divorced Donald Wilkins. She enjoyed working downtown throughout her career as a legal billing specialist and retired from Chapman & Cutler in 2020. She became dear friends with many of her colleagues and loved to meet for lunch at her favorite spots, like Martine Café and Blue Iguana.

Mom poured love and care into everything she created, whether it was homemade treats after school or helping us make Valentine’s Day boxes and creative Halloween costumes. When she bought her house, she spent countless hours remodeling, decorating and making it into her beautiful home. Many happy memories were made on Roberta Street throughout the years; summertime barbecues, birthday celebrations and magical holiday moments.

Her relationship with each of her children was equally unique. She enjoyed trips to the casino with Shane, pancake breakfasts with Josh and going on travel adventures with Kelli. Being a grandmother brought her the greatest joy and she had a special bond with each of her grandchildren. They have many cherished memories with their grandma and all the ways she showed her love to each of them.

She recently returned home to Salt Lake City after briefly living in Las Vegas and was under the care of her daughter and son-in-law. She was grateful for texts, phone calls and visits with family and friends as her health declined and appreciated the little things, like warm sunshine on her face and a cold glass of chocolate milk. Although her loss has left us heartbroken, there is peace in knowing her suffering has ended. May those lucky enough to know her find comfort in her memory and the love she so generously shared.

Saundra was preceded in death by her parents and her grandparents. She is survived by her children, Shane Nelson, Josh Tyree and Kelli Tyree (Randy Gahley), her grandchildren, LaKeisha Nelson (Doug Denison), Jordan Harris, Jessalynn Tyree, Halla Harris, Brentley Gahley, Rex Gahley, Monroe Tyree, Joshua Tyree, Aurora Nelson and Sophie Nelson, her great-grandchildren, Asher Denison, Aspen Denison, Jaxon Stables and Willow Denison, sisters, Terri Park (Clint) and Lisa Nelson (Kenny Norwood) and numerous family and friends. At her request, no services will be held.