Tracy Nelson

Tracy was born with a sweetness that she carried throughout her life. She was a uniquely good person who genuinely cared about everyone; extending her hand to many with a generosity that eventually became her hallmark.
She was shy as a young girl – she liked playing with paper dolls and dressing up in pretty things, but beneath her gentle exterior she had a passionate spirit, and she could sometimes be as stubborn as a mule. These complexities made her strong and resilient, yet she remained kind and ever-willing to go the extra mile for a friend or a loved one or an underdog in need.
Tracy grew into an incredibly capable woman. She married a good man, had two beautiful children and with the support of her family developed and operated a highly successful landmark restaurant.
She worked hard to nurture and support her homelife and her business. Her open-hearted nature made her a loving mom to her own children, and a mother hen to many, including employees. She was modest about these achievements, but she often expressed pride in the atmosphere of respect and the sense of belonging she felt distinguished Ruth’s.
And in addition to her own family, she took great joy in all of the families that the restaurant welcomed, helped to spark and worked to serve and sustain.

Tracy was surprisingly funny and really liked a good laugh.
She loved good food, good coffee and the perfect piece of toast.
She liked to shop, especially for the little things chosen special for those she loved.
She enjoyed reading and being on the water and she was grateful for the numerous opportunities
she had to travel throughout the world – noting often how grateful she was for the chance to see Africa.
She was equally grateful for the many vacations shared with her extended family and took pleasure in making big meals and fun memories for everyone to share.
Tracy and Erik were soulmates – they truly bonded for life. She loved her children deeply and becoming “Oma’ to her first grandchild Evie only increased the joy she always found in her family.

Tracy was preceded in death by her father Jack Berry, her mother Claire, her sisters Suzanne and Patricia, her nephew Kristoper and her mother-in-law Sarah Nelson.
She is survived by her husband Erik H. Nelson, their children Erika Nelson (Zac) and Sam Nelson (Sadie)
granddaughter Evie Nelson and good dog Jelly as well as her sister Leslie Siemer (Dennis), brother John E. Berry lll, nephews Marc Van Riper (Sharon), Michael Knudsen, Matthew Knudsen, Aaron Van Riper (Jeree) and Jon Van Riper, father-in-law Harold Nelson, brother in laws Stanley Nelson (Carrie), Mark Nelson (Cindy) and their children.

This has happened far too soon, yet it feels fitting that Tracy should leave this life from the loving safety of her own home. Our dear light has gone out, and the loss of her warmth could make this world seem much colder and less welcoming. But Tracy spent a lifetime creating a bounty of memories with each of us, and we can all find the comfort we need as we share them together.

Love you.
Love you more.
Love you mostest.

A celebration of life for Tracy will be on Wednesday, March 18th from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the entrance and parking on the north side of the building.