Mary Kae Henrie Nielson, age 85, left this earth on January 31, 2020. She passed peacefully, after a short illness, surrounded by family. Kae was born on December 4, 1934 in Delta, Utah to Marion Cutler and Mary Lyman Henrie. They lived in Sutherland and Kae attended Delta High School where she met her eternal companion Merrill G. Nielson. They were married on July 9, 1954. They traveled the world with the Air Force, living in the Philippines, Washington DC, Thailand, Germany, Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, and Ohio, before moving back to the place she loved most, Millard County.
Kae was very creative and took advantage of living around the world to hone her artistic skills. Kae learned how to paint in the Asian style while living in Thailand, and in the European tradition while living in Germany. Also while living in Germany, she learned how to create gingerbread houses. She often created over 100 houses a year, giving most of them away. A Salt Lake City television news station highlighted her generosity and gingerbread making skills. Her other talents included sewing, gardening, cooking, canning, and quilting.
Her greatest talent, however, was her ability to make others feel loved. Her quick wit and easy-going personality made people immediately feel comfortable. Her home was warm, welcoming, and open to all. Her greatest joy was her family. Kae loved to have her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren come to visit and was endlessly patient with the little ones. She would usually have a jigsaw puzzle on the table, and was always up for a game of Monopoly, Pizza Party, or Mahjong.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Kae dedicated her life to serving others. She served in many callings including five times as a Relief Society President. She truly lived the gospel with her humble and non-judgmental love of others. She touched many people’s hearts and lives with her humorous outlook and her great example.
Kae was preceded in death by her husband: Merrill; grandchildren: Dannah Kae Nielson and Norman Wooten Jr.; and her sister: Virginia Johnson. She is survived by her children: Dean (Linda) Nielson, Marshall, Michigan; Paul (Karen) Nielson, Eugene, Oregon; Bruce (Linda) Nielson, Vienna, Virginia; Mark (Lynell) Nielson, Snohomish, Washington; 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; her brothers and sisters: Lyman Henrie (Marcia), Ann Dalton (Gary), David Henrie (Barbara), Richard Henrie (Marsha), Thayne Henrie (Carolyn), Dan Henrie (Kathleen), John Henrie (Pennie), Becky Carter (Mel).
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, February 6, 11:00 am, at the Leamington Ward LDS Chapel, 90 South Center Street, Leamington. Viewings will be held at the Leamington LDS Church, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7:00-8:00 pm; and Thursday, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Burial will be in the Lynndyl Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.nicklemortuary.com