Memorials › Nelda Rae Childs Davis
Nelda Rae Childs Davis
30 Aug 1934 – 6 Sep 2021
| Birth | 30 Aug 1934 |
| Death | 6 Sep 2021 |
| Cemetery | Lehi City Cemetery Lehi , Utah County , Utah , USA |
| Added by | Annie Duckett Hundley on 07 Sep 2021 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/231772945 |
Bio
Nelda Rae Childs Daniels Christensen Davis 1934 - 2021 ❦ Early Life: Nelda was born August 30, 1934, in Eureka, Utah, to Moses Alden and Sylvia Johanna Bartell Childs. She was a born entertainer and always drew attention. In her Tintic High School yearbook, from 1949, she was listed as freshman class president. One of many similar notes from her classmates said: "If you keep that big smile and wonderful personality, I'm sure you will have all the luck and happiness in the world." Nelda's big, friendly smile and engaging personality continued throughout her life. ❦ Life's Work | Service | Interests: In the year following graduation, on Valentine's Day, she married her high school sweetheart, Gary Daniels, in Eureka. They soon had a son, Derek, together. The marriage only lasted a few years. Nelda was a talented soprano vocalist. She sang professionally in and around Utah, and married her second husband, Kent Christensen, who was also a performer. After the birth of their daughter, Camila, in Salt Lake City, they moved to southern California as Kent continued to pursue an entertainment career. Eventually, Nelda was married a third time, to D'Mitch Davis, who was also an entertainer. Together, the two of them had some success with an act they called Midnight Sunshine. ❦ Her children were her pride and joy, and she showered them with her love and attention. As they grew, she was fully engaged in their lives and tried to instill in them good values and a sense of curiosity for life. Though she did not travel a lot, Nelda was an avid reader. She enjoyed learning about different people and cultures and had a gift for befriending people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. She was also a good friend to her children's friends. One of Camila's friends remarked as follows: "The house was always filled with Nelda's warm, dynamic presence. [Her] voice lilted with nuance, humor, and musical intonation. Nelda seemed naturally inclined towards her performance persona, in the nicest possible way. I could expect, at any moment, that Nelda would break into a song that perfectly punctuated whatever she had just been saying or feeling." A friend of Nelda recently wrote, "Her laugh was infectious. She always had a way to make everyone smile even in the midst of drama." ❦ As a constant performer, she had a great eye for fashion and always had her own unique style. She loved finding bargains on well-made, well-designed clothing and built an extensive wardrobe. If she could not find the clothing she wanted, she was a skilled seamstress and would make her own. ❦ She loved cats, had a soft spot for animals, and was always willing to come to the aid of anything or anyone she thought was suffering. Before the onset of serious health problems, her last dozen working years were spent as a professional caregiver for those with mental health issues. ❦ As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nelda had a natural faith in God and believed in the power of prayer. She often served as a music leader, and regularly sang solos for various meetings. Her interest in and love of others made her an easy touch for charitable causes, and she often made small donations. Nelda Rae Childs Davis battled dementia for several years and peacefully returned home to her Heavenly Father on September 6, 2021, in Lehi, Utah. She was 87. ❦ Family Message: "The family expresses their profound gratitude for the loving care given to Nelda by the staff of Abbington Memory Care and Bristol Hospice." ❦ Survived By: Her son, Derek Daniels (Karen), Lehi, UT; From her son, she has five grandchildren: Joshua Daniels (Amy); Katherine Daniels; Emily Van Bloem (Jefferson); Elisabeth Berrett (Carson); Rachel Bateman (Brock); from her daughter, she has three grandchildren: Clifton Peotter (Sylvia); Aubrey Hawkinson (Ben); Kinsey Peotter; her brother, Byron (Sharan), WA; and Nelda's growing posterity now includes 15 great grandchildren. Her relationships with her former husbands were friendly and both Gary Daniels and D'Mitch Davis survive her. ❦ Preceded In Death By: Her daughter, Camila Rae Christensen (Mark) Peotter; her parents; and her sister, DeLone (George) Hall. ❦ Services & Obituary: © 2021 | Wing Mortuary ❦ Service Option: Livestream via Facebook ❦ Interment: Lehi City Cemetery Bio compiled by: Annie Duckett Hundley
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