Arlene J. Nelson

Arlene Joy Fernley Nelson, 87, of Tooele, Utah, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2018.

Arlene was born November 11, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Wright Dennison and Gladys Lawrence Fernley. The third of four children, she spent her young childhood in Bountiful, Utah. Her family moved several times growing up, living in Montana, New Orleans, Idaho and Oregon. She graduated in 1948 from Roosevelt High School in Portland, Oregon. She attended BYU and graduated in 1952 with a teaching degree. She taught 1st grade and kindergarten for 31 years in Huntington Beach, CA, Tewksbury, MA, and Portland, OR. It was her most cherished profession, she loved teaching her students and helping them reach their full potential. She often said she never worked a day in her life because she loved teaching so much.

Arlene’s pride and joy were her six children, 23 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Arlene dedicated her life to her family and friends and was passionate about following the Spirit and serving those around her who needed a friend. She had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Of all her many accomplishments, Arlene will be remembered as a doting mother and grandmother, an exemplary teacher and a friend to all who knew her.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Dean, granddaughters Heather, Rachel and Amber, great granddaughter Bailey. She is survived by her children, Rick (Jill) Bigler, Blackfoot, ID, Jana Coelyn, Portland, OR, Debra Winchester, Nashua, NH, David (Patty) Bigler, Fresno, CA, Mikkel (April) Nelson, Boise, ID, Jeanine (Doug) Richens, Tooele, UT; and siblings, Alice Lorraine McCall, Mint Hill, NC, and Carolyn (Dale) Felix, Washington, UT.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 16, 2018, at the Carr Fork Ward, 2032 Churchwood Dr., Tooele, Utah, where a viewing will be held from 9:00 – 9:45 am prior to services. Interment will immediately follow at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family suggests the best way to honor Arlene would be to spend a little extra time with the child or children you love; or contribute your time or money to programs that help improve the lives of children.