Nina Lynn Hayes Callister, 96, passed away peacefully in her home in Orem, Utah, on March 22, 2025.
Nina was born on December 11, 1928, in Monticello, Utah, to Daniel Luther Hayes and Jennie June Newman Hayes. She had one older sister, Betty, who was four years her senior.
Early Life & Education
During her childhood, Nina's family lived in Bluff, Utah, with her Newman grandparents before moving to Chino Valley, Arizona, where she began elementary school. She later completed her education in Prescott, Arizona.
Nina excelled academically and embraced every opportunity available to her. During high school she served as editor of the school newspaper, danced in numerous performances, sang weekly as part of a women's trio on the local radio station, and directed a chorus of "Gleaners," where she formed many lifelong friendships.
From an early age, Nina dreamed of obtaining a college education.
Marriage & Family
Nina married her sweetheart, Marion Jones Callister, in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 7, 1946.
The newlyweds spent their first summer together working on the Callister family farm near Blackfoot, Idaho. That fall they moved to Salt Lake City, where Marion attended law school. Although Nina had hoped to pursue a college degree, she lovingly chose to devote her life to motherhood and raising their growing family.
Their first three daughters were born in Salt Lake City. Following Marion's graduation, the family returned to Blackfoot, where their fourth child was born.
To help support the young family while Marion established his law practice, Nina and a friend operated a kindergarten from her home for several years.
In 1953, the family moved to Boise, Idaho, where they welcomed eight more children. Over the course of 28 years, Nina lovingly raised twelve children.
Family & Home
Family was the center of Nina's life.
She encouraged each of her children to develop their talents, pursue education, and strive for excellence. She faithfully attended their activities, taught them proper grammar and etiquette, and made sure they learned practical life skills, including cooking and caring for a home.
Nina and Marion also built lifelong friendships in the Boise Third Ward. She loved hosting parties, study groups, and gatherings that filled their home with laughter and friendship.
Faith & Church Service
A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nina served faithfully in many callings throughout her life.
Among her favorite opportunities to serve were as Relief Society President, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and Stake Missionary. Her testimony, love of the gospel, and willingness to serve blessed countless lives.
Later Years & Adventures
After Marion's passing in 1997, Nina embraced a new season of learning and adventure.
Never one to stop growing, she studied Chinese before traveling to China and learned Russian before visiting St. Petersburg and Moscow.
Her travels took her around the world, including parasailing in the Caribbean, riding camels near the pyramids of Egypt, floating in the Dead Sea, exploring India, Singapore, Thailand, and Europe, cruising through the Panama Canal, shopping in Hong Kong, and even flying over Mount Everest.
She often invited her children to accompany her on these unforgettable adventures. Ever eager to learn something new, Nina even took flying lessons and successfully completed a solo flight over Boise.
Final Years
As she grew older, Nina's greatest wish was to remain in her own home.
Through the loving service of family members, dedicated caregivers, and hospice workers, that wish became a reality. Her family is deeply grateful to everyone whose kindness and compassionate care allowed her to spend her final years in the comfort of her home.
Survivors
Nina is survived by her half-brother, Danny Hayes; her twelve children and their spouses; 57 grandchildren; 148 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and 75 spouses and partners, bringing her remarkable posterity to a total of 306 family members.
Preceded in Death
Nina was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel Luther Hayes and Jennie June Newman Hayes; her sister, Betty; her beloved husband, Marion Jones Callister; her grandsons, Joshua Fowler and Nathan Thomas; and her great-grandson, Graham Hansen.
Legacy
Nina lived a remarkable life defined by faith, family, education, service, and adventure. Whether nurturing her children, serving in the Church, traveling the world, or welcoming family and friends into her home, she left an enduring legacy of love, strength, and lifelong learning.
Her influence continues through the generations of family she loved so deeply, and her example will remain a lasting blessing to all who knew her.
Funeral Services
Visitation
Friday, April 11, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Relyea Funeral Chapel
318 N. Latah Street
Boise, Idaho
Visitation
Saturday, April 12, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Rose Hill Ward
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3200 Cassia Street
Boise, Idaho
Funeral Service
Saturday, April 12, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Rose Hill Ward
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3200 Cassia Street
Boise, Idaho
Interment
Morris Hill Cemetery
317 N. Latah Street
Boise, Idaho
