Fern Crump Nelson

Fern Crump Nelson, age 99, of Roosevelt, passed away April 21, 2024, at the Uintah Basin Medical Center. She was born July 24, 1924 to Heber “Ace” Asahel & Eliza “Erma” Bodell Crump in Herriman, Utah. The entire State of Utah celebrated her birthday each year with fireworks! Fern was sure to tell everyone that she had entered her 100th year; that she was born in 1924 and planned to “graduate” in 2024. When asked how she was the last couple of years, she would say “great for 98” or “fine for 99”!

Fern grew up in Lark, about 6 miles from Herriman. She talked fondly of her childhood years and described them as pure, simple fun - with many stories of playing outside, running to town, spelling bees, and walking to visit her grandparents. They didn’t have much, but together they felt they had it all. In fact, when asked what the great depression was like, she said they really didn’t notice a change.

Fern attended Bingham High School, along with her sisters Elva and Madge. Tuition was $8/year, and they didn’t have money for school, so they worked at the school to earn their way. Fern was a drum majorette (baton twirler) in the band, and was proud of the costume made by her mother. She loved the dances they had weekly, and wished that kids these days knew how to really dance. She often sang with her sisters at traveling assemblies or local events. WWII started when Fern was a senior in high school. She experienced watching friends leave to a prisoner of war camp, and others leave to war. It was a heart-wrenching memory for her. 

After graduation, Fern worked at Camp Kearns Army Base, along with her mother. During a time when segregation was the norm, Fern never believed in it and tells stories of wonderful soldiers of all colors that she called friends and heroes. Fern made $90/month at this job, and it was heaven. While working at Camp Kearns General Store, Fern met Ben through a co-worker. They went on a date to the ‘Rainbow Rendezvous” in Salt Lake City where they had dinner and danced. Ben was only home for 5 days, 3 of which they went on a date. Ben was sent out, but they continued to communicate over the phone and through letters. Later, Ben’s sisters asked Fern to go meet their mother. During dinner, they gave Fern an engagement ring from Ben. Fern accepted Ben’s proposal over the phone, and they were married that spring, April 1, 1944.  On October 1, exactly 6 months later, Ben was sent out for a mission. Tragically, on November 26, 1944, he was killed in World War II - before their daughter, Bennie, was born.

In 1947, Fern and her friend Louise, went on a double date with Lloyd and Lee Nelson (brothers). Ironically, they went on a date to the “Rainbow Rendezvous” in Salt Lake City. Fern felt that Ben and Lloyd were kindred spirits - with the same outgoing personality, blue eyes, and dancing skills. She married Lloyd Charles Nelson on August 19, 1947, in Midvale. They were later sealed in the Provo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They moved to the farm in Ioka, a lifestyle that took some adjusting for Fern. They later moved to Roosevelt, where they filled a home with fond memories of frequent family gatherings and magical holidays. They were together 46 years, and enjoyed a beautiful life with their four children, Bennie, Steve, Cheryl and Ellen. Lloyd passed away on July 14, 1993. 

Fern was a switchboard operator for Mountain Bell in the 1950's and then was the secretary for Union High School in the mid 60's. Fern and Lloyd owned and operated Montgomery Ward, a retail store and catalog outlet, for many years. At the time, they held the company’s largest grand opening. When asked how they did it, especially in such a small town, she simply stated  “I called everyone in the phone book!”. They later joined the “Million Dollar Club” for Montgomery Ward. Fern believed in hard work, and was very generous with what she earned. She was devoted to helping others.

Fern was the definition of class. She had ageless beauty, was always well dressed, and had flawless skin. She believed in standing up for what she believed in, and loved all without judgment. She became a friend to everyone she met and had the exceptional knack of making each person she was with feel like they were her favorite. Fern was an active member of the church. Music was very important to her, and she enjoyed singing in the choir and listening to Music and the Spoken Word. She was also an avid reader, reading at least four books a month until the end (with her magnifying glass because of her macular degeneration). Above all, she loved her family and really enjoyed time with them.

Fern was preceded in death by her husbands, Ben & Lloyd; her daughter, Cheryl Bowen; her granddaughters, Tara Bowen, Amy Bowen Hansen; great-great-grandson, Isaac Pike; siblings, Carol Crump, Elva McClusky, Madge Green, Mary Jenkins; her Parents; and her best friend, Pearl Labrum… as well as many other family members and friends.

She is survived by her children, BennieLynn (David) Sam, North Salt Lake; Steven (Pala) Nelson, Ellen Nelson, both of Roosevelt; 11 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren with two on the way; her brother, Boyd Crump, St. George; “Tayt,” her furbaby; and many other family members and friends.

Fern enjoyed a long, full life, and has now been reunited with her sweetheart and many loved ones. Fern will be greatly missed.

Fern’s family would like to thank family members and friends who took time to care for her and show dedicated love for years. In addition, they are grateful for the compassionate caregivers at Home Help & Canyons for their assistance this past couple of years. Fern was blessed with genuine care provided by the staff at Uintah Basin Medical Center during the last few days of her life, as well as the Canyon Hospice team during her final moments.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Roosevelt 11th Ward Chapel (250 W 200 N), with a viewing from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Roosevelt Memorial Park.