Stella Denise Nelson "Aunt Denise" was born on September 9, 1909 in Mt. Pleasant, Utah to Nels H. and Johanne Marie Hansen Nelson. She died on February 9, 1965 in Salt Lake City, Utah after suffering a stroke. She was a much loved lady by all that knew her and is still thought of in reverence today.

When she was a small child, Aunt Denise became very ill with a childhood disease and fever that took its toll on her hearing (loosing 80% of it). Growing up not being able to hear affected her speech development, and she had a hard time making herself understood. School at times was no fun for Denise because the other children were often cruel and teased her. But to her credit she was very smart and made top marks. Because of her disability she never had a suitor and never married. Everyone around her though made sure to make her feel loved and wanted.

Aunt Denise was the most loving, caring and forgiving person that I ever had the privilege to know. She loved everyone and looked past their faults and short comings, seeing only the goodness inside of them. How many of us can say that we have the ability or even the desire to do this? She was and still is a shining example of what it is to be Christ-like.

Aunt Denise was an amazing, chef quality cook. Her holiday feasts were beyond description. Everything was perfect from the polished silver and china place settings to the succulent meats, homemade rolls, lumpless gravies and deserts that would boggle the mind. She made everything from scratch never making a mistake. As a child I never had a store bought cake until my ninth birthday which was a couple of weeks after she died. I miss her very much and look forward to the day when we will meet once again.

If you have read this poor attempt at a biography for Aunt Denise please leave her some flowers. I know that she would appreciate it.
Paull B. Gunderson