Manuelita Sausedo, affectionately known as “Nellie,” was born in East Carbon, Utah, on February 22, 1946, and passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 80.

Nellie became deaf after a childhood illness and enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden at the age of five, graduating in 1967. As a junior, she joined the historic 1962 Student Strike, standing alongside her high school classmates as the school separated its oral and sign language departments. Known for her exceptional memory, often called her “elephant mind,” Nellie loved sharing stories about the school and its lasting impact on students like her. Her dedication to preserving these histories played a vital role in creating the Utah Deaf History website.

In 1966, Nellie began a 28-year career at the Defense Distribution Depot Ogden, where she also taught American Sign Language (ASL) classes for the Depot Union.

Beyond her professional life, Nellie was a passionate and active member of Utah’s Deaf community. She proudly held membership in the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, where she served as a delegate twice, showcasing her commitment to advocacy and leadership. She was also an integral part of the Ogden Athletic Golden Spike Club, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among her peers.

For many years, Nellie volunteered to help register teams for the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf’s basketball and slow-pitch softball tournaments, showing her enthusiasm for sports and her desire to support fellow athletes. She consistently attended conferences hosted by the Utah Association of the Deaf, eager to uplift and empower her community.

Her involvement extended to the Deaf Senior Citizen group, where she participated in various activities, enriching others’ lives while fostering a sense of belonging and connection among members. Through her dedication and service, Nellie left a lasting impact on those around her.

Nellie’s hobbies reflected her creativity and warmth. She enjoyed painting towels, pillowcases, laundry bags, blouses, shirts, and other items. Cooking, especially making homemade foods and sweet treats, brought her joy. She also loved traveling, visiting friends, camping, and cooking outdoors.

Those who knew Nellie personally will remember her gentle heart, quiet sense of humor, and unwavering kindness. She had a way of making people feel cared for, whether it was preparing a favorite homemade breakfast, sharing stories from her remarkable “elephant memory,” or offering simple words of encouragement like her favorite reminder, “Stay positive.” She never let a friend leave without saying, “Don’t be a hot rod!” a loving reminder that reflected how deeply she cared for the people in her life. In her later years, one of her greatest joys was finding her first love, proving that it is never too late to experience happiness and companionship.

She loved her family, especially her niece and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfonso and Emilia Sudo brothers, Ref, Daniel, and Sonny Sausedo, and nephew Steve Martinez. She is survived by her sister Francis Martinez, niece Berna Vermazen, and nephews Boe, Roger, and Toby Sausedo, partner Melinda Hansen Scott, and housemate Kim Marie Lucas.

A celebration of life will be held at the Sanderson Community Center on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Friends and family are welcome; additional details will be shared soon.