Lynnda Chidester Nielsen

Sigurd, Utah- Lynnda Chidester Nielsen, age 81, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026 at the Utah Valley Hospital in Provo surrounded by her family after a long battle with kidney failure. She was born on January 25, 1944 in Salina, Utah to Milton and Mae Jean Rasmussen Nay Chidester.

She grew up and active member of the LDS church in Gandy Ranch, Bicknell and Richfield. She loved playing games and hiking with her brother, best friend and cousin Marie. She graduated Bicknell High School in 1962, awarded Valedictorian and was the yearbook editor.

She married her first husband Morris Dale Nelson in Eli Nevada on January of 1965. They later divorced and she met and married Martin Henry Nielsen in November 1970 with whom she shared 55 years.

Lynnda was very involved as a city council member, primary teacher and president, post master of Sigurd, church librarian, and town board member. All keeping her quite busy. She loved to make knit hats for friends and donated many to needy school kids. During her life, she raised many dogs, was an avid Jazz fan, loved horses and the desert, enjoyed rock hounding- looking for arrowheads, hiking, reading and crafting.

She is survived by her loving spouse Martin Henry Nielsen of Sigurd; Children: Lou Jean (Michael) Schenk of Williamsport, Maryland, Lana (Bill) Hanover of Logan, Lorrie (Scott) Duncan of Richfield, John Nielsen of Sigurd, Amanda Nielsen also of Sigurd. Siblings: John Scott (Kathleen) Chidester of Blackfoot, Idaho, Beth (Robert) Anderson of Koosharem, Gary (Wendy) Chidester of Elco, Nevada, and David Chidester of Richfield. She also has 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mae Jean Rasmussen Nay & Milton Chidester, Brother Ralph Christensen, Daughter Mary Samantha Nielsen, Great-grandson Elye Scott Duncan and great-granddaughter Holland Raye Duncan.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the Sigurd LDS ward chapel where friends may call for viewing from 9:00- 10:30 A.M. prior to services.

Burial will be in the Sigurd Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.

The family would like to thank the home health, nurses and staff at the hospital and the dialysis center for their care and friendship to our mother over the years and to all the many friends she had in Sigurd for their continued love and support.