Carolea Riley Nielsen

Carolea was born in Hollywood, California to Daniel and Althera Riley. She was a miracle baby to her parents, after many miscarriages, soon becoming their only child. Carolea’s cousin, Marvin, became her “older brother,” since they grew up together. She would recall their many fun memories. Carolea grew up in Layton and Bountiful. She attended Davis High School and then the University of Utah, where she attended, living on campus. She was an Air Force sponsor for the ROTC and became a Lieutenant Colonel. She was President of her sorority her Senior Year. She attained her bachelor’s degree in education.

Carolea married Wayne Orton in 1956. They had 2 children together, Dana and Mark.

On December 22, 1967, Carolea married her sweetheart, Ken. They were sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple on April 21, 1969. Carolea gained two more children, Michael and Celeste. Carolea was Celeste’s school teacher before she and Ken knew each other. Carolea and Ken had two children together, Colette and Caroline.

Carolea and Ken were married for 56 years.

Carolea was an amazing schoolteacher. She taught at Hill Top, Whitesides, Burton and E.G. King Elementaries, to name a few, for a total of 30 years. Teaching never stopped when the kids went home…mom spent countless hours at home correcting papers and preparing for the next days ahead!

Carolea was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She fulfilled many church callings, some of which included Jr. Sunday School coordinator, Relief Society teacher, Relief Society presidencies in her local Ward and Stake, and Relief Society President. She showed great compassion and love for all those around her.

Carolea and Ken loved traveling. They took cruises to the Caribbean, to Alaska, and to the Panama Canal. They loved trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Europe- 7 countries and traveled to most states. They loved camping and spending time with their family. Carolea and Ken also loved spending time in St. George in their mobile home.

Carolea and Ken spent their summers in their acre and ½ yard taking care of their raspberry field- selling cases year after year! They had a bounteous garden, along with manicuring their lawn, bushes and fruit trees. She spent countless hours bottling the fruit from their yard every Summer.

Carolea was a very talented artist. She could draw, paint, and was very crafty. She was a great cook. We loved her Sunday roasts with vegetables. She loved her mom’s homemade cinnamon rolls.

Carolea and Ken built their dream home in 1969, and Carolea’s parents moved into the basement soon after. Carolea’s parents lived with them for 32 years. Carolea and Ken were able to take care of their parents for many years. She was diligent at taking care of her sweet husband, Ken, for many years. Carolea was busy helping others always.

Carolea was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel Riley and Althera Stewart Riley, her husband, Kenneth Nielsen, her in-laws, Nephi Nielsen and Lillian Ames Nielsen, her “brother” and “sister-in-law” Marvin and Joyce Amundsen, in-law siblings, Merna and Reed Nielsen, Mardell and Joan Nielsen, and Bob Hendricks, her children, Michael Nielsen and Dana Orton Thornock Rasmussen and two sons in law, Nyle Thornock and David Ingram.

Carolea is survived by her sister-in-law; Jerry Hendricks, two special cousins; Sally Barton and Janet Mower, children; Celeste (Steve) Wilson, Mark Nielsen, Colette Ingram, Caroline (Chris) Earl and son-in-law, Martin Rasmussen, along with 16 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Fairfield Village Assisted Living for the great care she received. And a special thanks to Angie from Inspiration Care.

Graveside services will be held Saturday January 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah. Family and friends may visit Saturday from 12:00 to 1:45 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.

Condolences may be sent to www.lindquistmortuary.com.