Marie Gunter Nelson was born March 14, 1930 in Kemmerer, Wyoming to Rudy and Minnie (Mecca) Gunter. She passed away peacefully on March 27, 2023, in Price, Utah.
She graduated from Kemmerer High School in 1948 and married Robert Clark Nelson on July 17, 1948 in Kemmerer. The couple lived and worked in the Kemmerer area until July 2006, when they relocated to Price, Utah to be near their youngest son. Robert preceded Marie in death on October 21, 2012.
Marie began her work career on the Gunter family ranch in 1944. After her marriage, she and Robert operated the Nelson Ranch near Opal, Wyoming from 1948 to 1955. The couple moved to Kemmerer in 1955 and Marie became a waitress at the Toot-N-Tell Café until 1970. She then worked as a checker for Safeway grocery store from 1970-1972. Marie worked for First National Bank as a bookkeeper and general ledger operator from 1972 to 1974. In 1974, she began working as an interview assistant for Wyoming Job Service. She was promoted to the supervisor and acting manager from 1981 until in 1984 she became area manager. She remained in that capacity until she retired in 1994. While at job service, Marie helped many women obtain quality jobs, which allowed them to increase their skill levels and thus help them to improve their financial situation and become more self-sufficient.
Prior to her retirement, Marie was very involved in the Kemmerer community through her work in various organizations. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish and served on the parish council, was Kemmerer Business and Professional Woman of the year, and served as treasurer of the Kemmerer Chamber of Commerce from 1988 to 1993. She also served as a board member and president of the Kemmerer Senior Citizens Center. After retiring and before moving to Price, Marie was a member of Tracks Across Wyoming and Kemmerer Ranger Athletic Booster Club. She also did volunteer work for the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. As a member of the Wyoming Outreach program, Marie participated in self-defense, firearm, and CPR training.
In addition to involvement with organizations in Kemmerer, Marie served as the secretary of the Medical Action Committee, president of the local Wyoming Public Employees Association (WPEA), board member of Wyoming Governor’s Committee for Employment of the Handicapped, board member of Youth Services, member of AARP, board member of Youth Alternative Home Association (YAHA), serving Lincoln and Uinta Counties, board member of Lincoln County Library and served on the board for Turning Point.
Her achievements included receiving: certificate of award for achievement and meritorious service from the International Association of Personnel of Employment Security (APES), the McNulty award for outstanding service to APES, State of Wyoming Certificate of Service five-year awards in 1979, 1984 and 1989 and completed approximately 20 years of service with the state of Wyoming Department of Employment.
Upon moving to Price, Marie became an active member of Notre Dame Catholic Church. She also indulged in her favorite past times, which included watching Utah Jazz basketball, and following football with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Wyoming Cowboys, Denver Broncos and Utah Utes football teams.
Marie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her sons, Roger (Pamela) of Cheyenne, WY, Jerry (Mary Ann) of Spring Glen, Utah; four grandchildren, Patrick Nelson of Cornelius, NC, Scott and Stephanie Nelson of Cheyenne, WY, Bradley Nelson, Chicago, IL; great-granddaughter, Brielle Nelson; brother, Roger Gunter, Kemmerer, WY.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Robert; parents, Rudy Sr. and Minnie (Mecca) Gunter; brothers, Ted, Ronald and Rudy Gunter; and sister, Jeanette Gagliardi.
Memorial services are pending at this time. Interment will take place in Kemmerer, Wyoming next to her beloved husband Robert. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.