Nell Taggart Elwood

Nell Taggart Elwood, a resident of Smithfield, Utah found the door unlocked so she quietly slipped out on the morning of October 15, 2010 to join her eternal companion, Mervin H. Elwood. They were married 16 April 1949 in Elko, Nevada after a five week ?whirlwind? courtship. They solemnized this marriage 11 August 1950 in the Logan LDS temple. She was the only daughter of Walter Leavitt and Vella Gregory Taggart, former residents of Lewiston, Utah and Homedale, Idaho. It was a cold fall morning of 8 October 1927 in a small two-room house lit by a kerosene lamp that she cried for the first time. She was the favorite sister to six brothers: Sylvan Yvonne, Larry Janeine, Nolan Sharon all of Wilder, Idaho; Val Peggie, Ovilla, Texas; Lynn Linda deceased, Homedale, Idaho; Lyle Bonnie, Idaho Falls, Idaho. She was the mother of seven: David L. Elwood Deceased, Peggy Robert Allen, Sr., Yvonne Elwood, Mervin Clair Elwood Deceased, Elayne Vaughn Ballard, Dale W. Elwood, Sr., Jay R. Linda Elwood. She leaves many grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren, and two sisters-in-law: Marion Larsen Elwood and Myrel Elwood; one brother in law, Russell D. Joleen Elwood.
She was an active member of the LDS Church, serving in various auxiliaries. She was a Cub Scout and 4-H leader and grandmother to her 5th Ward Priest Quorum. She was a certified CNA and did home care for special friends and also worked at Cache Valley Hospital, Sunshine Terrace and Utah State University. Nell thrived on cross-stitching, knitting, camping, and fishing. She collected music boxes that played special tunes. She could be found supporting Mervin as he served in numerous offices in the American Legion Local Post 58, District 1, and as a general member of the National Membership and Post Activities Committee. Her most untied aim was to care for her loving companion in his later years, never questioning his needs even though her own health was being compromised. They remained sweethearts to the end as she stood with unwavering devotion and tender loving care with a positive attitude through his entire illness. Mervin entered into eternal rest February 2001 leaving her with a broken heart that could not be healed or mended. She has spent the past years writing their life stories for her posterity, hoping it will help them appreciate their heritage. The family would like to express a special thanks to Primrose and Hospice, and to all the friendly neighbors that helped out during this time. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 12 noon in the Smithfield 5th Ward Chapel, 625 East 600 South. Friends may call at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield, Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday at the church from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery.