Cary Ellen Nelson Davis Obituary (1939 - 2023)

The ground at Huntsville Cemetery is muddy so please dress appropriately to the graveside service for Cary. Huntsville, UT - Surrounded by her loved ones, Cary Ellen Nelson Davis, 83, returned to her heavenly home on April 13, 2023, following prolonged illnesses related to heart and kidney failure. Cary displayed great courage as she battled pain and illness at the end of her life. We are grateful that she has been released from her pain and has been allowed to reunite with loved ones on the other side of the veil. Cary was born in Carbon County, Utah on September 16, 1939, to her loving parents, Stanley and Florence Nelson. Throughout her life, Cary had a deep and abiding love for her parents. She was the youngest of 8 children, and she was very much the baby of the family, as there were almost 9 years between her and the next oldest sibling, Elizabeth. Sadly, two of her siblings died shortly after childbirth and Cary did not know them in this life, but surely she is getting to know them now. Even though there was a large age gap between Cary and her siblings, she was still very close with them and loved each one dearly. Even in her younger years, Cary was very hard-working and dependable as she helped her parents at home and in their family businesses. They moved a lot, but most of their time was spent in Carbon County/Price or in the Salt Lake Valley. At a young age, she contracted rheumatic fever, which was very difficult for her. The fever weakened her heart, and she spent large periods of time having to stay in bed and being alone. It was a lonely time for her, but certainly this experience taught her patience, tolerance, and faith, and she fully embodied those principles and values for the rest of her life. She was an excellent student in school and was well-liked by her peers. After graduating from Carbon High in Price, Utah, she attended the University of Utah and then transferred to BYU where she studied Speech Pathology. While at BYU she met and dated her sweetheart, Richard C Davis. They eventually married and were sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple on June 3rd, 1960. She and Richard started a family soon thereafter. They had 6 children together - 2 boys and 4 girls (Chris, Camille, Charlotte, Kelly, Cary Lynn and Charlie), whom they both loved dearly. In the early years of their family they lived in Orem, UT, and Richard was part of a successful musical performing group. Out of necessity, the group had to be on the road quite often, which meant that Cary had to manage the household and take care of the children without help. It was difficult and exhausting, but she never complained, and she always ran the household and nurtured their children with energy, enthusiasm, and unconditional love. Oh, how blessed were her children to have her as their mother! As the children got older and the family moved from Orem to Huntsville in 1975, Cary eventually decided to go back to school. She attended Weber State University and excelled in her studies. She obtained her degree in Elementary Education in 1982 and was soon teaching at Valley Elementary in Huntsville just 5 minutes from home! Cary loved teaching and was an exceptional educator for 21 years. She taught multiple subjects: music, social studies, math, physical education, and geology to fourth, fifth and sixth graders, but in particular, she excelled in teaching the arts - especially music. She was well-known for producing and directing musical plays like "The Grinch that Stole Christmas" and "The Nutcracker". She was especially proud of the many Shakespeare festivals and plays that she and other colleagues would produce and direct. She taught and involved hundreds of kids, teachers, and parents over the years. Over time, she has received numerous compliments and many thanks for her teaching and coaching in music and drama. Teaching her students, watching them perform, and seeing them become the best versions of themselves on stage was one of Cary's greatest joys in life. She is beloved by many of her former students, parents of students, and fellow educators. After retiring from teaching in 2002, she spent a lot of her time remodeling and redecorating her home and yard, faithfully serving in church callings, and supporting and loving her 6 children and 27 grandchildren/great-grandchildren. She loved playing games, watching movies, playing piano, scouring cookbooks in search of new recipes, and baking. Her favorite game was Yahtzee, and she could spend hours at a time doing a puzzle or reading a favorite book. Cary had tremendous faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and her testimony of His gospel never wavered. She has been heard to say, "I have learned to love from the Savior's hands" and "The Lord is always there reaffirming His love daily, no matter how many times you mess up." Cary was a faithful and energetic member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and over the years has served in leadership positions in the Relief Society, Young Women's, Primary and Cub Scouting organizations. Cary was an avid genealogist and family historian and wrote a beautiful autobiography as well as biographies for both her parents and for her oldest son, Chris. She also wrote memories for all her siblings. If you're interested, we will be releasing her profile this weekend on familysearch.org, and you can read her life history, see her photos, and listen to her audio recordings. Her family members and their profiles are connected to hers on the "family tree" tab. Cary always put her family first and willingly gave of her time, energy, and resources. She always ensured that her loved ones were taken care of both temporally and spiritually. Anyone who knew Cary will also remember her for her smile and good cheer, for her patience and love, and for her vivacity for life. She will never be forgotten and her legacy lives on through all of those whom she has touched with her light and love. Cary is preceded in death by her oldest son, Charles Christian (Chris), by her companion, Richard C. Davis, and by her parents and seven older siblings. She is survived by her four daughters, Camille Tueller, Charlotte Jarnagin, Kelly Hunter, Cary Lynn Balentine and by her youngest son, Charlie Davis. She also had 22 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren who will all miss her dearly. Heartfelt thanks and gratitude is given to Cary's daughter, Charlotte, and her grandsons, Hayden and Mitchell, who lovingly cared for and attended to Cary for many years but especially in the last few years of her life. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. We would also like to thank Enhabit Home Health for the caring professionalism they exhibited and for facilitating a healthy and loving hospice space for Cary to pass with peace and dignity. In addition, we thank Myers Mortuary for their caring assistance. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 24th, 2023, at 12:30 pm at the Huntsville 2nd Ward, 277 S. 7400 E. Viewings will take place on Sunday, April 23rd, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and again on Monday, April 24th from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Huntsville 2nd Ward. Interment will be at the Huntsville Cemetery. Cary's service will be live streamed. To watch scroll to the bottom of her obituary at www.myers-mortuary.com at 12:30 pm on Monday, April 24, 2023. If unable to watch at this time the services will be on the website indefinitely. Services entrusted to Myers Ogden Mortuary.