Nelda Vera (Bohon) Christean

Nelda Vera Bohon Christean

1938 ~ 2025

Nelda Vera Christean (née Bohon), our cherished wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor, passed away in the comfort of her home in Cedar Hills, Utah, on June 5, 2025. She did so while holding the hand of her sweetheart-husband of 60 years and surrounded by her children. The rapid progression and severe impact of cancer, only detected a couple weeks prior to Nelda's passing, has profoundly affected her family. She will be greatly missed.

Born on April 9, 1938, in Back Creek (near Roanoke), Virginia, Nelda grew up the youngest of 7 children on a hillside farm where she learned hard work, sacrifice, self-reliance, planning ahead, the value of family, and how to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. She attended Back Creek Elementary School (grades 1-7) and Andrew Lewis High School (grades 8-12) in Salem, VA.

Following High School, she attended Brigham Young University, receiving training as an administrative assistant. She worked many years at government offices in Washington D.C. While working back east, she met her eternal companion, First Lt. Arthur Grant Christean, Jr., who was just beginning his tour of active duty. They were later married and together raised their four children, Tanya, Debra, Allan, and Evan

Nelda's upbringing in rural Virginia and the choices she made early in her life, forged characteristics that are evident to all who knew her. She walked through life with unwavering grace, always presenting her best self, no matter how hard the road or how scarce the resources. Challenges never shook her spirit; instead, she met them with laughter, wit, and a touch of humor that always lifted those around her. Every space she entered became more beautiful, not only through her touch but through the warmth her presence created.

She lived her life as a fierce defender, supporter, and encourager of those she loved, rooted in the principles of Christ’s teachings. Her love for her spouse was unshakable, a testament to loyalty and resilience through life’s trials. She sacrificed without hesitation, always ensuring her family had the very best she could give — even when it meant setting aside personal wants and dreams. No suffering could turn her from the gospel of Jesus Christ, and through every storm, she carried herself with dignity, grace, and quiet strength. She faced life with kindness and humor when others might have met it with bitterness, offering hope, love, a comforting smile, and a gourmet meal made with love, even in her hardest days.

Her cooking skills were legendary. As a young girl she learned from her mother to sew and later became a master seamstress. Too few knew she was also a talented artist. Her legacy will forever be an anchor of faith, love, and beauty for her family.

Nelda is survived by her devoted husband Art, and her children and their spouses - Tanya Ann (Will Pliler), Debra Kaye (Bradley Bates), Allan Arthur (Amy Johnson), and Evan Blaine (Amy Cochell). She is the grandmother of 12, and great grandmother to 6. She leaves behind two of her siblings Lillie Bohon Bowles of South Jordan, Utah, and brother Benjamin, sometimes “Buster” of Roanoke, Virginia. She is preceded in death by her parents Benjamin and Vera, as well as siblings Carl (who died as an infant), Sanford, Merlo, and Kathryn.

We will gather to celebrate Nelda’s life on Friday, June 13, 2025. Services will be held at 9737 Chesterfield Drive, Cedar Hills, Utah 84062.

A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM, with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will be held at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 North ‘N’ Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84103 at 2:00 PM.

For those who plan to travel to the graveside service in Salt Lake City following the funeral service in Cedar Hills, we plan to provide a sack lunch. PLEASE RSVP through this link: https://tinyurl.com/5at7wkrj

The family prefers that all flower or plant donations be coordinated through Warenski Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nelda Vera (Bohon) Christean, please visit our floral store.