Virginia Pinder

Virginia Pinder

January 28, 1930 – October 25, 2026

Virginia Pinder, age 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Park City, Utah, in the early hours of October 25, 2026, with her dedicated caretaker by her side.

Born on January 28, 1930, to Millard Nelson and Winifred Olivia Hales Nelson, Virginia grew up in the small southern Utah town of Beaver. She cherished her childhood days living next door to her grandmother, Jean Hales, and her maternal aunts, Elsie, Annabelle, and Ruby. This tight-knit circle enriched her life, offering her travel and learning experiences that most children growing up during the Great Depression did not have.

In 1940, after their home in Beaver burned down, Virginia and her family moved to Cedar City, Utah, during her fifth-grade year. She adapted quickly, making friends with ease. Blessed with an optimistic outlook and a wonderfully outgoing personality, her warmth, beauty, and charm naturally drew people to her wherever she went. In high school, she channeled her competitive spirit into sports, playing on the Cedar High School girls' varsity basketball and tennis teams. Beyond athletics, Virginia was a talented artist who also loved playing the guitar and piano, and possessed a beautiful singing voice.

After high school, like many young people from southern Utah, Virginia moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, seeking new adventures and opportunities. Her first job was as a waitress at the fabulous Golden Nugget Casino before the famous Las Vegas Strip even existed!—where her charm and bright spirit made her a quick favorite and brought in great tips. She also worked at The Las Vegas Club, The Flamingo, and Pioneer Club. While visiting her parents in Cedar City on a weekend trip home, a knock came at the door. It was Robert J. Pinder, a pleasant-looking young man selling life insurance, who was instantly captivated by her beauty and charm. A year later, in 1956, they were married in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Together, Robert and Virginia built their first home in Holladay, Utah, and started a family. They welcomed four children: Lynda, John Robert, Jenny Lee, and Nelson. The Pinder family later moved to Park City, Utah, where they built the home she loved and lived in for the rest of her life.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Millard and Winifred Olivia Nelson; her loving husband, Robert John Pinder; her son, Nelson Pinder; her daughter, Lynda Young, and son-in-law, Don E. Young; and her sister, Beverly Jean Joseph.

She is lovingly survived by her children, John Robert Pinder and Jenny Lee Dudleston; her younger brother, James Millard Nelson (and his wife, Linda); and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Honoring Virginia’s wishes, there will be no traditional funeral service. A viewing will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 1:00PM at the Probst Family Funeral Home, 79 East Main Street, Midway, Utah, 84049, followed by burial at the family burial site on the Pinder Ranch near Duchesne, Utah.