Nelva Cook Hansen, 99, passed away at home with loving family in attendance on May 9, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nelva was the second of six children born to David Ernest and Chloe Ireta Steed Cook in Syracuse, Utah on January 23, 1917.

She married her eternal sweetheart, Wendell Bernard Hansen, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 21, 1939, and they enjoyed 75 years together. They set up their first home on their farm in East Garland, Utah and began their family. When Wendell had to find employment off the farm, Nelva would take her babies with her to carry out the necessary farm duties. She would do what needed to be done and do it willingly and with determination. In 1955 they moved to McAllen, Texas where Nelva took on a job being a secretary and learned all about oil fields. Ten years later they returned to Utah and made their home in Salt Lake City, where they lived for the next fifty years of their lives. It was the home in which Nelva was determined to spend the last years of her life after Wendell’s passing. Fortunately she was able to do so.

Nelva was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed serving in various callings. She was especially fond of working with the children. Music was always a great passion. She learned to play the piano so she could accompany her father who was a much sought after singer in the area. She also learned to play the organ and was much appreciated for her talent wherever she went. Missionary service was a very important part of her life. Her first mission was to the Northern States Mission from 1937 to 1939. She and her beloved Wendell served missions together in Australia, Melbourne 1977-78; Mexico, Monterrey, 1981-82; Chile, Santiago South, 1984; Atlanta, Georgia Temple, 1984-85; Dallas, Texas Temple, 1987-88; and Nauvoo, Illinois 1990-91.

She is survived by her children: David (Antje) of Haintchen, Germany; Wayne (Sylvia) of South Jordan, Utah; Marie (David) Erwin of South Jordan, Utah, and Jerel (Sharon) of Bakersfield, California; 19 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sisters: Winifred Harmston, Fannie Marie Cook, June Briggs, Louise Simpson; brother Lawrence Cook; and grandson, Scott Wayne Hansen.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 1:00pm with a viewing from 11:45 to 12:45 in the LDS church, 700 South 2500 West, Syracuse, Utah. Interment at the Syracuse City Cemetery.
There will also be a viewing on Friday, May 13 from 6 to 7 pm at the Forest View Ward, 1111 East Charlton Ave (2818 So.), SLC. Guestbook to post messages for the family is available at: www.HolbrookMortuary.com