August 21, 1975 – June 4, 2023
Our family’s first little sweetie, little Sweatie, as she said, Anna Lenore Neel, was born to us, Roger and Laura Neel, on August 21, 1975 in the Kaiser Hospital in LaMesa CA.
So anticipated, so adored, so loved. She was such a delight, so fun, until she became stubborn! Everything we did for her had to be perfect—such as tying her shoes just so-so, doing her hair exactly how she wanted, and heaven forbid, her separate foods could NOT touch each other on her plate. When eating cake unlike all the other kids, she would eat the cake and leave the frosting. As a small child she liked foods such as fish, all kinds of seafood, cottage cheese, buttermilk, and vegetables.
She was exceptionally tiny all her life, only reaching 5′ 2″, but as was said, stubborn, feisty, and fearless. Going on family outings she would push some limits–such as refusing to hold anyone’s hand, walk 20 feet to the side and 20 feet to the front. Much to the panic of her sister, Sarah, we never lost her.
She loved all types of music; she felt it was at the center of her soul. She was very artistic and loved making crafts, especially to share with her family. She grew up being very close to her 5 sisters and brother; loved her cousins and aunts and uncles. She wanted nothing more than to be a good friend.
She lived the first 8 years of her life in the beautiful city of San Diego near the border of Tijuana and the beach. During this time she was joined by 4 sisters and one brother. The last sister joined her in Payson, Utah. Our family moved to Payson in 1983 and she and the rest of us soon grew to love the small town atmosphere, the mountains and forests, and camping.
She was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by her father, shortly after moving to Payson. She attended Peteetneet Elementary School and eventually graduated from Payson High School. She was determined to live an independent and happier life and moved to Logan for a short while.
After moving home she bought her first car, got a job, and met and married the love of her life, Lloyd Clark. They had the opportunity to live in Spanish Fork, Payson, Heber, Provo, and Taylorsville, During this time they were blessed with 2 sons, Jadon Neel Clark and Cameron James Clark, the best sons any mother could have, whom she loved with all her heart. Tragically, her husband passed away when the boys were barely 5 and 1 years old. This had more of an impact than she could fathom nor work through for the rest of her life.
She worked at several jobs in her life, some short, some longer, preferring production- type jobs where she was a hard worker. She proudly watched her sons graduate from high school and move on with their preferred jobs.
Anna is survived by her Mom and Dad, her siblings Teresa Ricco, Sarah (Mario) Torzillo, Rachel (David) Calder, Emily White, Adam Neel, And Abby Neel (partner Dustin Henderson). She absolutely adored her nieces and nephews Joey, Shannon, Gerry, Sayley, Luna, Ethan, Drizzt, Ayla, Eva, and Willow, Harlow, and Halley! She is SO loved and SO missed by all of us, including some very special friends and extended family members. Our hearts, hearts…
A viewing will be held Friday, June 9, 2023 at Legacy Funeral, 6 PM to 8 PM, address 3595 North Main Street, Spanish Fork, UT. A Graveside Service will be held the following Wednesday, June 14 at the Alpine City Cemetery, 400 Grove Dr. at 2:00 PM.
To leave condolences, visit www.legacyfunerals.com
