Charlotte Platt

Charlotte Martha Nelson Platt loved God and her neighbor. The precious daughter of Cora Young and Hildor Ephraim Nelson, she began her earthly experience on January 6, 1937 in Idaho Falls, Idaho on a -40 degree day. She was the warmest part of any season, task or conversation. “Cheree” was raised alongside her brothers Gaylen, Varr and Kent in a patchwork of potato farms and cousins, in Coltman, Idaho. Named for both of her pioneering grandmothers, Charlotte lived a fully consecrated life and treasured her valiant ancestral chain. Family was everything, and so to her, everyone was family.

Graduating from Bonneville High School, she continued her studies at Ricks College and Brigham Young University, earning a degree in communication disorders. She was employed in her field as a speech and hearing specialist by Primary Children’s Medical Center, Granite and Salt Lake City School Districts. Charlotte was a constant learner and teacher. From piano to flute, sewing and cooking, she developed and shared her many talents; foremost was her ability to love—unconditionally, steadily and forever. She was a life-long friend and a mother to many. Charlotte was known for her tireless service, thoughtful hand-written notes, homemade bread, for saying “be careful,” “have a good,” and for never saying a negative word about anyone. She enjoyed music, books, and people—especially children; maps, horse races, watching live tennis matches at 2 AM, tropical flavors, fresh garden produce, french fries, puzzles, plants, family activities and laughter. She was very good at growing things, particularly people. For too many to count she was a listening ear, a helping hand, an embracing heart and a comfortable place to land. She said, “I didn’t travel the world, it came to me.”

Charlotte was a faith-filled member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lived her covenants every day. She married Deane Howard Platt on February 18, 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had many adventures, including being extras in a Hollywood blockbuster movie, proprietors of a hot springs resort and school crossing guards. She endured many moves and even more projects. They lived in big cities and small towns and collected friends all along the way. She was a woman of grace and duty, faithfully fulfilling many church callings, PTA assignments, charitable drives, civic responsibilities, and a lot of “little red hen” opportunities as the neighborhood mom.  

Surrounded by family, friends and angels, Charlotte completed her mortal mission on September 7, 2020 at her home in Murray, Utah. She was gracious, giving, and selfless; a confidant and champion for everyone; a peacemaker, maintainer and mender. Her love was as constant as the Idaho wind, and as reliable and steady as her heart that did not quit for 83 years. Her charity never failed.

Charlotte’s legacy of love is celebrated by her four children, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild: Francine Eden Platt; Alison and Kurt DeWitz, Jayne (Nathan) Payne, Zachary, Joseph; Deena and Michael Christopherson, Abigail (Alec) Foss, Bradley; Grant, Henry, James; Jed and Jennifer Platt, Camilla, Nelson; her siblings Varr and Bernice Nelson, Kent and Janet Nelson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Her heavenly welcome committee included her husband, parents, and brother Gaylen. Thank you to her daughter Fran and niece Gaylyn, the dynamic duo, for their constant care during her final days. Your lovingkindness reflected her own. Our appreciation also to the attentive service provided by Inspiration Hospice.

A memorial service was held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 19, 2020. The service was broadcast via Zoom. To view the recording of the service online, click on the "Click here to access the video" button below. 

An outside visitation will follow the service, 12-1 PM at the Little Cottonwood 1st Ward Building (6350 S. Rodeo Ln.) Murray, Utah. Interment will be in Salt Lake City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to “Charitable Charlotte” (Venmo @Charitable-Charlotte) a service oriented fund to help facilitate anonymous good deeds in her honor. Thank you, Mom. Your love changed our world.