Nelene Freeman Ainge

Polly Nelene Freeman Ainge passed away in the early morning hours May 7, 2021. She was born November 16, 1933 in Winslow, Arizona to James William and Nellie Mills Freeman and became “Sis” to her three older brothers Fred, Scott, and Jimmy.

She enjoyed many memories of growing up with her good friends in Winslow and many cousins and relatives in Show Low, Arizona until she left for college to attend Brigham Young University. While home on a break she met the love of her life, Arnold Rex Ainge, who she would marry on January 16, 1959 in the Mesa Temple. Nelene and Arnold started their life together living in Winslow for two years until Arnold was discharged from the Air Force and they moved with their two oldest daughters to Kearns, Utah. They would add another daughter and son and raised them there until they built their new home in 1976 in West Jordan, Utah where they lived for the next 42 years.

Their home in West Jordan had a large backyard with a beautiful view of the Wasatch mountains that was the backdrop for many family parties and celebrations. The highlight of every year was the big July 4^th party and fireworks where everyone including friends and neighbors were always welcome. Nelene served in many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was always a wonderful example of kindness and love to those she served with.

She and Arnold were extremely supportive of their family and attended many recitals, school, sporting, and personal events for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She and Arnold loved to travel and took many trips in their lifetime; they took a year off to serve a couples mission to the New York, New York North Mission, primarily serving in the Bronx. 

Nelene was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers whose love and presence she felt in her final hours; and one great-granddaughter Emmie Rose Buhler.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years Arnold; daughters Arlene Buhler (Gary), Donna Griffith (Jeff), Debbie Pincock (Doug); and son Arnie Ainge (Michelle). She was also blessed with 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful for the love and care provided by the staff at the Sagewood Assisted Living/ Memory Care and Brio Hospice services.

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 7925 South 2700 West, West Jordan, Utah, 11:00 a.m. with a viewing 1 hour prior to the services. Interment will be held after at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Bluffdale, Utah.

Services can be viewed virtually at:  http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/westjordanutahmountainshadowsstake

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