Lanaya Rhae Nielsen Wright

Lanaya Rhae Nielsen Wright passed away peacefully in her home on the evening of January 17, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Lanaya was born October 23, 1944, in St Paul, Nebraska to Ralph Frederick Nielsen and LaVon Lemburg Nielsen. Her early years were spent in Grand Island, NE until moving to Umatilla, OR during senior high school, where she graduated Valedictorian and met her lifelong best friend, chosen sister and fellow Elvis enthusiast, Judy Camp.  She received her associate degree from Columbia Basin Junior College, and then went on to get a Bachelor of Liberal Arts at Utah State University. At Utah State she met and married her lifelong love and partner, William Patten Wright. Together they settled in Salt Lake City and had two children, William C. Wright and Kindra Wright. She spent most of her career at the University of Utah Health Sciences Department as an Administrative & Editorial Assistant and had since retired.     

Lanaya is survived by her children, Will Wright (Tina) & Kindra Wright (Anthony), her dear friend of 40 years, Katty Firouzbakhch, Brother-in-law Rob Wright (Beth), Sister-in-law Shelley Lillis, grandchildren Robert Wright, Jamahl Greer, Devyn Wright, Kayla Greer, Billy Wright, Darius Dickerson, and Lanaya A. Wright.

Lanaya was “Grandma” to countless cousins and family friends too numerous to name, but her love was spread to all with quiet, calm, devoted time, and attention, so that all who were blessed to receive it are enriched for life. From taking them on adventures, reading, playing games and crafts, she devoted her life to her family and grandchildren. Grandma will always be remembered for making Christmas magical for all, with sharing her Santa collection, special traditions and spreading the spirit of the season.

Our darling Mother, Grandmother and friend was our quiet calm in the storms of life, our beacon of light, the heart of our family, and so dearly loved by us all. She embodied kindness, strength, honesty, and love and shared that with all she knew. She will be missed until the end of time, but her lessons and love will live forever in us all.  

Preceded in death by parents Ralph & LaVon Nielsen, in-laws Robert & Victoria Wright, and spouse William P. Wright.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Memorial Holladay Park located at 4900 Memory Lane in Holladay, UT.