Jean Lee Nelson Thompson's Obituary
Jean Lee Nelson Thompson, of Magna, Utah, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, at the age of 94 years.
Jean was the last of 6 children born to James Reid Nelson and Fannie Leona Pierce on September 24, 1931, in Thornton, Idaho. A devoted lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jean relied on her faith in the Savior to guide her through the joys and challenges of life with great purpose. She believed in hard work, selfless service, and the power of prayer.
For more than 64 years, Jean shared an extraordinary partnership with her beloved eternal companion, Ray Newell Thompson. Ray and Jean were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on May 28, 1952 and raised their three children to share the values of faith and Christ-like service which governed their own lives. Their marriage was a true partnership: steadfast, loving, and grounded in mutual respect and shared values. Together, they built a life defi ned by hard work, generosity, and gratitude. Jean and Ray could frequently be found working side-by-side in service to their family members, friends, and neighbors; serving in the temple; researching and transcribing family history records; or simply enjoying one another’s company on an evening bicycle ride.
Fiercely independent by nature, Jean could fi x what was broken, fi nd joy in honest work, and meet each day with a sense of purpose. A woman of remarkable physical and spiritual strength, Jean could lift and haul just about anything she set her mind to and did so well into her later years. Jean often amazed her family with what she could accomplish through sheer determination.
Her work ethic was second to none. Jean believed a job worth doing was worth doing right, and she didn’t cut corners– except perhaps, when it came to her impressive frugality. Jean’s family members still smile remembering her ability to stretch a dollar, reuse everything, and find joy in simplicity.
In recent years, Jean experienced a gradual decline in both body and mind– a difficult journey for all who loved her. While saying goodbye brings sorrow, the family takes comfort in knowing that she is now free from suffering. We find peace in our faith in her joyful reunion with Ray beyond this life.
Jean is lovingly remembered by her three children: Rinn Thompson, Tawn (Stephen) Swan, and Angie (Larry) Hatch. Her legacy of resilience and resourcefulness lives on through her 3 children, 16 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray; her parents and siblings; and many dear friends and neighbors.
Jean will be interred in the Pleasant Green Cemetery after a private graveside service on October 27th. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service in her honor on October 28th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 7825 W. Sharon Dr., Magna, UT at 11:00 AM.
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