Terrill H Neilson

Terrill H. Neilson (Nielson) passed away on March 28, 2024 at the age of 79. Terrill was born on January 6, 1945 to Ardith Burgess and LaSell Hans Nielson in Vernal Utah. His parents divorced when he was two and a half. He and his little sister, JoLynne lived with Terrill's Grandma Elisa Nielson and their father in Lapoint, Utah. He spent his childhood riding horses and getting into mischief with his cousins. His mother remarried Tom Burton and they had three more children, Sterling (Smokey), Ielien and Clairene. After graduating from Union High School in 1963, he completed mechanics training in Ogden Utah.

He joined the army during the Vietnam Conflict, and was stationed in Germany from 1967-1968. He returned from military service and began his life-long career as a truck driver in the oil and gas industry. He worked very hard providing for his family for many years. Some of the companies he worked for were: Phil Martin Trucking, Jerry's Hot Oil, Jim Nebeker Trucking, and Chapman Construction. Besides truck driving, Terrill was good welder and mechanic. He was always working on a vehicle or welding trailers or fences. He raised many horses and cows and grew the hay to feed them.

Terrill married Diane Larson on August 29, 1969 in Neola, Utah. His grandmother, who said she wanted to live to see Terrill and JoLynne marry, died on September 2, 1969. They moved to Gillette, Wyoming and had their only daughter, SueAnn (Suzi) in 1970. They soon moved back to the Uintah Basin and settled in Neola in 1973. They built their home bit by bit, as they could afford, doing most of the work themselves without going into debt. They were able to move into the house in 1981. They were very involved with the Neola Rodeo Committee and spent countless hours volunteering to make the park into what it is today. They were honored as Grand Marshalls for the 100th Annual Neola Rodeo in 2016 for their work. Suzi married Glen Fullmer in 1992, and they blessed Terrill with four grandchildren, Sydnee, Hannah, Cameron, and Zachary, who loved visiting their Papa. He took them fishing, horseback riding, and four-wheeling. Terrill and Diane divorced in 1996.

A new family became a part of Terrill's life at this time. He found love and companionship with a long-time family friend, Nila Kidd. Her son Rocky and daughters Mona and LaDawn became his kids as well, and brought much joy to his life. He gained new grandkids as well, Neal, Jace, Calisa, Bud and Deric loved him so much and had so many fun times and adventures with him. A card game was always going on at the house. He loved teaching the grandkids and great grandkids how to play different games. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating with them as well. They truly brought joy to his life. He was always surrounded by grandkids and family.

Horses were always a passion of Terrill's. He was a cowboy through and through. Whether riding in the High Uintas on his annual fishing trips, team penning or hunting in the Book Cliffs, he was happiest on the back of a horse spending time with his family and friends.

Terrill is survived by his loving companion, Nila Kidd; his daughters Suzi (Glen) Fullmer, Mona (Rex) Allen, and LaDawn Ruppe; his son Rocky Clark; loving sisters Jolynne Corey and Clairene Burton; brother Smokey (Fran) Burton; nine grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, sister Ielien Burton Guston, brothers-in-law David Corey, and Cecil Gustin, and son-in-law Cal Ruppe.

Memorial services for Terrill be held Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 11:00am at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday from 6:00pm, ~ 8:00pm and Saturday from 9:45am ~10:45am all at the Mortuary. Interment in the Lapoint Cemetery with Miliary Honors by American Legion Post 11 and the Patriot Guard Riders of Utah, services under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.

A luncheon for family will be held at the Lapoint Chapel following the interment. Thank you to the many people who are contributing to this meal.
 

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