Eris Prudence Sondrup Nielson

On December 30, 2024, Eris Prudence Sondrup Nielson rejoined her beloved family who had been waiting for her on the other side. She was 95. 

Eris was born in Ephraim, Utah on April 10, 1929 to James Harvey Sondrup and Mavie Delora Christensen. She loved her family dearly and often told stories of her siblings, parents, grandparents, and ancestors. Eris was a fierce defender of what she thought was right and always tried to do her best to live up to her testimony. A self-described "outdoor girl," she had many friends and admirers, but her best friend was her beloved mother.

Eris attended Snow College where she was a cheerleader, a rodeo queen, and a pageant winner, as well as being on the honor roll. She was an avid sports fan all her life. She attended many games with her dad. 

Eris married her sweetheart, Paul Knighton Nielson, on June 23, 1948 in the Manti Temple. After Paul graduated from the U of U, they resided in Gunnison for a short time, and then Richfield for a few years. In 1955 they moved to Beaver, where Paul owned and worked as a pharmacist at Beaver Drug for 36 years. Eris helped and was responsible for ordering and maintaining books, cosmetics, jewelry, and toys there. Eris and Paul have five children. Eris was a storyteller and a writer, and has gifted us with books of her poems and stories. She sponsored writing contest scholarships for both Beaver High School and Snow College. Eris enjoyed being a world traveler and was a world-class shopper. In addition to serving in the young women's program for over a decade, Eris served in both Relief Society and Primary Presidencies. After moving to St. George in 1994, she served as an ordinance worker in the St. George Temple for 25 years. Paul served in many callings of leadership and responsibility, and Eris deserves equal appreciation for those callings, as her care and support enabled his many years of service. Eris cared for her sweetheart as he continued to work and serve for years, even as his health declined. Eris and Paul celebrated 69 years of marriage before his passing in 2017. Eris' home was always open to friends and neighbors, and she frequently hosted the traveling general authorities who came for meetings, including two future prophets. She continued to be a gracious hostess to friends and family as cousins, nephews, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren came to visit. 

Eris was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Cliff, Max, and Roger Sondrup, sister Luzon, her husband, Paul Nielson, and 2 grandsons, Aaron Smith and Kayden Nielson. She is loved and missed by five children: Doug (Madelyn) Nielson, Marilyn (Craig) Smith, Janice (Cliff) Myers, David Nielson, and Dan (Deanna) Nielson; 24 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love and service that we will strive to continue in her honor. Eris' memorial will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Boulder Ridge Stake Center in St. George Utah (1762 S. River Road) at 1pm. A viewing will be held prior from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Interment will take place following the funeral at Tonaquint Cemetery under the care of McArthur Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at McArthurfuneralservices.com.

 In lieu of flowers, please take your family to a ball game. Eris will probably be cheering, too!