Anneka Loraine Wilson

Anneka Wilson, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend, passed away on November 29, 2025, at the age of 17. She left this world hand-in-hand with the love of her life, Leo Shepherd, in a tragic accident caused by a wrong-way drunk driver while they were traveling to Idaho to visit her cherished Grandpa Bob.

Anneka was born prematurely at 32 weeks on March 11, 2008, and spent several months in the NICU. From the start, she showed the world her fighter’s spirit. Though she faced learning challenges early on, she grew into a true dynamo—achieving a 3.8 GPA and earning four college scholarships. Her determination, pride, and resilience were as much a part of her as her bright smile.

At just 16, Anneka earned her CNA license so she could do what she loved most: caring for people. She worked at two senior living centers and often shared with her dad the stories of the beautiful older souls she had the privilege of tending to. Her compassion, patience, and gentle humor touched countless lives. She planned to continue her life of service by becoming a Radiology Technician.

Anneka had a gift for love—deep, effortless, and abundant. She adored her friends and had a personality that shone from the inside out. With her radiant smile and warm heart, she could walk into any room and make even the toughest person laugh. She carried her dad’s directness and her mom’s tenderness in perfect balance—able to scold you in a way that somehow left you feeling loved.

She also had a profound love for Native American ancestry and culture, embracing both her Native and cowboy roots with pride. Anneka wore her heritage boldly and beautifully—her custom belt buckle, turquoise jewelry, Navajo pearls, and “bling” were a part of her signature style. With her big blue eyes and cowgirl soul, she lived her culture, not just admired it. She loved horses and riding, finding peace, pride, and a kind of freedom in the saddle that felt like home to her. Her best friend and love was her dog, JAX—he is missing her greatly.

Anneka is survived by her parents, Rob Wilson and Emily Wilson; her siblings Isis “Supreme Goddess” Wilson, Hallister “Hawkeye” Wilson, Ahelena (“bestie” #1 sister) Wilson, and her baby sister Oakley Tala “Stalking Wolf” Wilson. She is also survived by her grandparents Grandpa Bob Wilson, Grandma Linda Wilson Manville, and Grandpa Gregory Maycock.

She touched the lives of many others, including the children her dad helped raise—Macin, Tyanna, and William—along with numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who all know how deeply they were loved by her.

Anneka’s life, though heartbreakingly short, was full of courage, love, pride, and joy. Her spirit—bright, compassionate, and fiercely alive—will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her.

Ride that pony in the SKY, Anneka. JAX will be taken care of. Stand tall with pride for the life you led. Come see your Daddy and give me a hug—my heart breaks, baby. Love, DAD.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints Chapel, 495 South Canyon Road, Springville, Utah. A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. before the services at the church. Burial will be in the Mapleton City Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.