Nellie Rae Lortsher

Nellie Rae Lortsher, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born on April 26, 1939 in Bountiful Utah to parents Royal Wesley and Eleanor (Page) Hobbs. She had one older sister Bonnie (Thompson).  

Rae's family moved to Salt Lake City when she was young.  They lived near the Arcade movie theater and she loved going to the movies with her dad as a young girl. She attended West High School, and graduated in 1957. She was a good student and a member of the Pep Club. She later met her future husband Robert (Bob) at a church dance and they married on September 22, 1960. They had three children: Steve, Amy, and Brad.

Rae was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she had many friends in the Canyon Rim Second Ward. She enjoyed her callings in the Relief Society and Primary as she loved to serve those around her. She also enjoyed a long career which included working for the phone company as an operator. However, her favorite job was with the O.C. Tanner Company, where she worked for 24 years. She loved that it was such a beautiful place to go every day, and she appreciated Mr. Tanner and his values. She made many lasting friendships there.

She had many other wonderful lifelong friendships from school (they called themselves “The Club”), and she enjoyed their many lunch get-togethers throughout the years. She thanks them for their friendship. Some of her hobbies included reading, gardening, and puzzles. She was an avid reader, and she always appreciated book recommendations from her oldest granddaughter. She also liked puzzles and games and played Wordle every day with Bob. She tackled some very difficult puzzles but the most impressive one she did in the last few weeks of her life. She was very proud of that one.

Family was at the heart of everything Rae did. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, or other special event. She was so proud of her three children, and never hesitated to tell them so. She was also very proud of her eight grandchildren, and was very involved in their lives.

Rae is preceded in death by her parents Royal and Eleanor, and sister Bonnie (Thompson). Rae never went a day without missing her mother. She was also close with her sister, especially during the years when they both had children of the same age.

Rae will be greatly missed by her husband Bob (married 65 years), children Steven Lortsher (Michele/Shelley), Amy Pernich (Richard), and Bradley Lortsher (Jennifer).  She had 8 wonderful grandchildren:  Lauren (Ben) Harrison, Lexi (Kade) Sybrowsky, Nick (Kristen) Lortsher, Jake (Emily) Lortsher, Emily Guymon, John Pernich, Kaylee Lortsher, and Kevin Pernich. She also adored her 8 great-grandchildren: Brooks, Madi, Addy, Rose, AJ, Harper, Finn and Ellie. 

A viewing will be held on May 15, 2025, from 6:00-8:00pm at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Utah Food Bank.