Rosa Mae Heath Nielson

Rosa Mae Heath Nielson was called home on Friday, July 25, 2025 to her eternal companion, Clayton A. Nielson, who has been waiting patiently for her return to his embrace.

Mae, as she was known to her friends, was born on September 2, 1938 in eastern North Carolina, and grew up all around Pollocksville. She spent her childhood running the forests and swinging on vines in the woods and fields of Jones County. She was a tomboy and loved playing ball. She would often punish the boys for quitting while she still wanted to play. She loved going to the Saturday movies, especially the westerns, as she dreamed of riding her horse through the badlands of the west. Little did she know that she would spend most of her life there going to all the old west sites that she dreamed about in her youth. She was raised by special parents, Asa Becton Heath and Rosa Lee Thomas Heath (both deceased). Her father was a bear of a man in stature, but a pure pussycat at heart who shared his love of ball with his daughter (and hundreds of others through his coaching of the youth). Her mother was the glue that held everything together. Though small in stature, she was great in heart, and Mae learned to love and serve others from a wonderful mother. Her older brother, Asa Heath Jr. (also deceased), was a quiet, gentle soul whom Mae loved to torment whenever she could. He must have loved his little sister to put up with her nonsense. Mae had a gleam in her eye, and loved to get into mischief. She would chase the girls with snakes and stand up to the boys when needed. In her teenage years, she was struck by a handsome marine aviator who became her eternal companion and lifelong friend. They were married on June 9, 1956, and then sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on June 15, 1956. They were blessed with 5 children: Clayton Allen (Tana, deceased, Tracie), Terry Ventura, James (Stacy), Ron (Aida), Asa (Jenn), and 2 semi adopted sons, Mike (Julie), and Ron (deceased) who they spent their years camping, fishing, and traveling with all over the country. Mae’s home was the gathering place for her children, and all of their friends, everyone was welcome. A day at Mae’s house was almost always an event as something was always happening from cub scout meetings to young women’s events. Mae held many callings in the church, mainly working with the youth as she related with them on their level. Some may say she was always a big kid looking to help others and to have fun while doing so. Mae had a unique perspective on life which she inherited from her father. Life was a fun journey where even the grayest of clouds held a silver lining. Mae was blessed with 22 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren; along with their families, they were the joy of her life. She attended many a ballgame, dance recital, and graduation all over the state. Many afternoons, she could be seen wrapped up on a bench someplace, watching one of her grandchildren play a game.

Now, as Mae rides off to the open arms of her best friend, one can hear the familiar strains of the theme song, Happy Trails to you until we meet again. You will be greatly missed by those you are leaving. Know that we love you. You are one of a kind. So Mae, Happy Trails to you, sit tall in the saddle, and we’ll see you in the great round up in the sky.

Funeral Service for Rosa Mae Nielson will be held Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Fairoaks Chapel, 586 East 8400 South Sandy, Utah 84070, with a viewing from 10:00-11:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at the Price City Cemetery at 4:30 p.m.

Special Thanks to Goff Mortuary.