Nilda Castleton passed away at home on Sunday, Sept 5, 2021 due to injuries sustained from a fall. She was born January 3, 1941 to Luis Alberto and Olga Elena Pinto in Santiago, Chile. She was the older of two children. Her brother Claudio was born on her first birthday. She enjoyed long conversations with her dad on a wide variety of topics from metaphysics to history, politics to philosophy. She studied from Western Civilization classics. She learned French, English and Latin, graduating high school at age 16. She was a dedicated student, her dad having encouraged her to read any book on any subject. If she could support her understanding and decisions with reason, he would support them, even if he disagreed with them. He taught her to reason instead of using emotions. She learned to play the piano and for a while considered a career as a concert pianist.
In her teens, she met missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an event that would change the entire course of her life, indeed, her eternity. Despite initially suspecting the missionaries might be CIA plants, she decided to listen to them. As with every other decision she made, and with encouragement from her father, she listened, studied, and prayed about the message they shared. Having reasoned, and then confirmed with prayer, she was converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and joined the church- a decision to which she remained steadfast the rest of her life. She went on to serve a mission and later served as personal secretary to the mission president.
She met the love of her eternity, Lloyd Vernon Castleton, during her service in the mission home. After a brief courtship, they decided to marry and she headed to Utah to complete her education while he remained in Chile to finish his duties with the Peace Corps. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on July 2, 1965. Ever inseparable, Lloyd and Nilda raised their family of four kids (Kayle Vernon, Clief, Cammy, and Kyron) throughout Central and South America, eventually settling in Orange County, California. Wherever they were, they served the Lord in whatever capacity they could. Their favorite church service was as temple workers at the San Diego Temple, and later the Draper Temple where they had moved after retiring to be closer to their kids and grandkids, having served a total of 23 years.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Cammy (1973), her son Kyron (1986), and her cherished husband, Lloyd in 2008. She is survived by her two oldest sons, Kayle Vernon (Gwen DeYoung) and Clief (Lorrie Thurman), as well as her younger brother Claudio (Marina Soto), and 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren (and counting).
A viewing will be held on Thursday, Sept 9th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy, Utah. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Sept. 10th at 1:00 p.m. with a viewing beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Granite View Stake Center, 9880 South 3100 East, Sandy, UT. Interment to follow services at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy, UT. To watch previously held services please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/lLKmSHjio7v5fIM7E2UE-7SNLdxf4QD89CXzyQ-BM0HwbMgLd6OBQQ086t1b8S4o.pJTtM3qBsVXkXgfI?startTime=1631299109000
So sorry to hear of your loss, Clief. May the Lord bless you at this time.
To the family of Nilda Castleton...I loved your mother so much. She was always so sweet, kind and friendly to me. She always gave me a kiss every Sunday...at church. I could always plan on her coming to where I was and kissing me. Such an affectionate lady and always so happy. She gave me a wonderful book when I was in the Relief Society Presidency, I will treasure it forever.
When I lost my daughter to a drowning 10 years ago, periodically she would drop by our home and visit with my husband and I. We both loved her coming. Her love and concern and words were so comforting.
I'm so sorry for your family, I know how much she loved all of you. She was so in love with your dad, now they are reunited. What an amazing and happy reunion for both of them.
I will miss that dear sweet lady, there's nobody like her. My love to Nilda's family. Toni
I was surprised and saddened to hear of Nilda's passing. I first met her in the Ñuñoa Branch in Santiago, Chile in December of 1958 when I was transferred from Argentina to become a senior companion and Branch President with a green companion. I didn't realize that Nilda had only been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for only 9 months at that time. It seemed as though she had grown up in the Church. She had embraced the Gospel with all her heart and was a tremendous help to a naive Elder who was forced to learn a great deal very quickly. Nilda was a mainstay in the Branch--willing to accept any task or calling and fill it fully. Later, as my parents and sister came to Chile to travel home with me, Nilda took a couple of days to show them around Santiago and make them feel comfortable there, although I was no longer serving in the Branch. I have greatly enjoyed reminiscing with her over the past several mission reunions. She was a natural born Latter-day Saint, and will be greatly missed by those who remain behind. I count it a real privilege and honor to have known her.
To K. Vernon, whom I spoke a few months ago. It is with a Heavy Heart , that I received the news of the passsing of my Dear Cousin and LDS Sister. I wish I had the time and Health to had visited Before.
Vernon, If yoy can give me a call when you have time . Best Regards, Jaime Fernando Pinto Ahumada.
850-373-8058, Oviedo, Fl. USA.
I served in the Draper Utah Temple with this wonderful Lady. I never saw or talked to her without a kiss on the cheek, and her heart winning smile greeting me. She oozed love, acceptance and kindness. She touched my heart, made me feel important and loved and helped me strive to love, serve and accept as she did. She will always have a place in my heart.. You, as family were blessed to have her in your life. Never forget. her Christ like attributes and strive always to be who you really are, a beloved child of God.
How grateful I am for the saving ordinances of the Temple and the Atonement that allows us to be together as families and live again with God. Vera Ritchie