Ray passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at his home. He was 80 years old. He was born in Soda Springs, Idaho, on March 23, 1943. His parents are Raymond Lars Nielsen and Esther Louisa Ashton.
Ray grew up in Logan, Utah. He served a LDS Mission to Denmark. He graduated from Utah State University in Special Education. He eventually earned his master’s degree at the University of Utah in Administration.
He moved to Tabiona, Utah, for his first teaching assignment and then moved to Heber City and taught at Wasatch High School. He met his wife, Elise Ellsworth, there and they were married on February 12, 1976, in the Salt Lake Temple. While in Heber, they had four sons: Braydon, Bryce, Blake, and Britton. Besides teaching school, he worked as a jailer and a Class Two Peace Officer for Wasatch City/County. He also was a Class Two Peace Officer for Payson City.
Ray and his family moved to Spanish Fork where Ray was given the job as the Vice Principal of Spanish Fork High School. Later he was appointed as Vice Principal at Payson High School.
At retirement he had several part time jobs. He also served several church missions: one at the Provo Temple, one at the MTC in Provo, and one at the Genealogy Department at BYU Library. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many church callings, one as a member of the bishopric in the Meadowlark 1st Ward. He served in many community programs. He was also in the ROTC for 18 years. His hobbies were writing poetry and doing genealogy.
He is preceded in death by both his parents; his sister, Karen Nielsen; his son, Braydon Ellsworth Nielsen; and his grandson, Dayton Lee Nielsen. Ray is survived by his wife, Elise; his three sons: Bryce (Trudy) Nielsen, Blake (Amberlie) Nielsen, Britton (Krystal) Nielsen; and his daughter-in-law, Melissa. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren.
A private memorial, for family, will be held.
3 Condolences for Raymond Ellis Nielsen
Condolences(3)
Steve Wilson says
January 25, 2024 at 7:44 amElise, Glenda and I are saddened to read of Ray’s passing. Glenda and I are serving a mission in Japan and are unable to be there to lend our support. Ray was always such a valuable friend and neighbor to us as is your entire family. Please give your boys our sincere love Elder Steve and sister Glenda Wilson.
Sherri D Shepherd says
January 26, 2024 at 2:41 pmRay was a dedicated missionary at the BYU Family History Library while we both served there. He was one of my “Go-to” missionaries when I ended up with a research question from a patron that I couldn’t resolve.
Ray was an inspiration to any and all who frequented the BYU FH Library. What a joyous reunion he is having with all of those family members that he “connected” with their temple ordinances thru his many hours of researching their names.
Scott says
January 30, 2024 at 12:10 amHe made a difference in my life. I was ready to drop out of High School
He had some good talks with Me. I ended up with a Masters Degree and Teaching Business Courses. He was a Saint !