Orlene Poulsen

Biography

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Orlene Jones Poulsen passed away in the home she loved July 5, 2012 of causes incident to age. She was born May 30, 1921 in Cedar City, Utah to U Ashton Jones and Louie Orlene Thomas. She spent most of her childhood in Cedar City. Her family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1935. She attended East High School and the University of Utah, where she graduated magna cum laude in 1943. She married George William Poulsen Jr. in the Salt Lake Temple on October 10, 1946. They enjoyed almost 56 years together until George passed away in 2002.
Orlene enjoyed singing. She and George will be remembered especially for their rendition of the Hawaiian Wedding Song. She loved walking, playing tennis, book club, dinner group, study group and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She was an avid reader. She served on the Salt Lake Council of Women as vice president and president and on Women’s Legislative Council as committee secretary and chairman.
Orlene was taught to love the gospel in her youth and accepted callings that came to her in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved the Savior and found joy in serving Him and others. She served as Stake Relief Society president and as a member of the Relief Society General Board. She also served as a member of the Adult Correlation Committee of the Church. She was the first national president of Lamba Delta Sigma.
From 1963-1966, Orlene served with her husband as he presided over the Hawaii Mission, and later traveled with him to Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii and Cache County where he served as a Regional Representative of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Orlene found her greatest joy serving her family. She was a wonderful example and support to her posterity. She loved others unconditionally and had a very positive attitude. To her each new day was a gift.
She is survived by her daughters Lou Ellen (Randy) Romrell, Lana (Joe) Sanders, Rosalie (Dale) Payne, and Sharon (Garth) Horton, 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 12:00 noon in the Foothill 7th Ward (2215 East Roosevelt Ave). Friends may call Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary (255 South 200 East, Salt Lake City) and Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com