Nadene King   1928-2018   Doris Nadene King, or Nadene, as she was known throughout her life, passed away and reunited with her deceased husband on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, after being surrounded by family. She peacefully passed while holding her oldest granddaughter's hand. Nadene was born on July 8, 1928 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Robert and Viola Denning. A few years later, her brother Bob was born. Nadene's father secured employment wherever he could during difficult times triggered by the infamous Stock Market Crash of 1929. He sought work in California, Oklahoma, Texas and Nevada, and was rarely home. Her father primarily worked on the Hoover Dam in Boulder City, Nevada. When Nadene was just six years-old, her parents divorced. A year later Nadene moved to Boulder City to join her father and step mother, Teresa. As years passed, three more siblings were added to the blended family: Marie, Riley and Albert. Nadene still kept in contact with her mother Viola who continued to work and relocate due to her employment with the government. Nadene spent the summer before her senior year with Viola in San Francisco with the intention of finishing high school. But she missed her friends in the desert and as fate would have it, she returned to Boulder City where she met Don King, a new student from Clarkdale, Arizona. Their first date was a double-date to a basketball game and the two quickly became a pair. She was socially involved as the senior class vice-president, served on student council and a member of many clubs including, Spanish Club, Glee Club, Triple Trio, Science Club, Fireside Circle, Pep Squad and Journalism Club. She was voted "Most Stubborn," by her classmates. She worked part-time as a soda jerk in the local drug store. Don would visit her at the soda fountain because her parents discouraged them from spending so much time together. He was Episcopal and she was Mormon. Nadene was too nervous to talk religion with him even when he asked. Don was the Valedictorian, voted "Most Likely to Succeed" and received a scholarship but had plans to enlist in the Army. By graduation he began talking about their future and marriage but Nadene thought they were just "starry-eyed high school kid and didn't take him seriously." After graduation, Nadene attended BYU for a semester before returning to San Francisco to live with her mother and eventually enroll at UC Berkley. Don enlisted in the US Army and served in the Philippines for 18 months. Don managed to get a copy of the Book of Mormon at a used book store after basic training and read it three times on the ship enroute over sees. Nadene received letters from him faithfully every day, in fact, his letters came in bundles four or five at a time. He sent her a watch for her 18th  birthday and her mother Viola was horrified at such a lavish gift exclaiming she couldn't possibly accept it. "I did, and I wore it proudly," Nadene wrote in her journal. A month before being honorably discharged, Don contacted a military chaplain and was baptized in a swimming pool. When he proudly presented himself at her San Francisco doorstep, he announced "I'm a member now!"  Don attended Stanford for one semester but quickly transferred to UC Berkley to court Nadene. They married in Carson City, Nevada on May 2, 1949. They were both 20 years-old. They graduated and walked together from Berkley. Don graduated in Physics and Nadene in English. Their first home was a little apartment in San Francisco. They were sealed along with their two children Carolyn and Don in the Mesa, Arizona LDS temple on November 14, 1952.  Three more children followed, Doug, Dwayne and Rebecca and the pair spent most of their efforts raising their active family in La Mirada California where Don worked for Hughes Aircraft Company for 35 years. Nadene became a teacher and homemaker. She was fiercely devoted to her husband and children. Rumor is that Don introduced Nadene to fine art and she introduced him to classical music. She said she never saw a real football game until she attended Berkley with him. In turn, Nadene introduced her children to cultural experiences and opportunities to develop their talents. They had lessons in music, art and attended operas and museums. The family even spent time living abroad in Europe where they toured historical castles and sites. She registered them in sport camps from basketball, baseball, football to archery and more. There were weekly swimming, piano, and voice lessons to attend.  Even gymnastics, hula and modeling classes were scheduled. Her three sons were accomplished Eagle Scouts and Nadene planned family camping trips. She ensured that all her kids graduated from early morning seminary. She made education a priority and all five kids received college degrees. She also dedicated herself to church callings, and loved serving the youth. Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Nadene loved working with the Young Women's program, particularly the Laurels. She served as the Young Women's President, attended Girls Camps, and organized Stake Youth Activities.  She often heard from her past Laurels through social media, which she absolutely cherished.    Just two years after Don's retirement, he suffered a massive heart attack and Nadene found herself a widow. She loved California but wanted to be closer to family. In 2006, she relocated to Provo, Utah to a newly remodeled basement apartment in her daughter Carolyn's home. For seven years she cruised Utah Valley in her white Toyota Camry as if it where her hometown. She vacationed at Bekki's home nearby, saw her brother Bob who resided in Orem and was able to visit with her sister Marie when she came to BYU education week. Nadene helped sponsor missionary grandchildren, was the hit at all the holiday gatherings and became BYU's most loyal cheerleader. She earned the reputation for her quick wit with one-liners using her sharp tongue. She had a sarcastic sense of humor and loved to laugh and find joy no matter the circumstances. She also was known for being completely unselfish and rarely sat down until her body demanded it.  She cooked tirelessly, mowed lawns, killed gophers, shot rabbits from moving cars, one time carried a snake in her purse, yet she could sing and play the guitar, tutor with homework and lull a child to sleep. She was a strong, independent woman throughout her entire life.  She took whatever challenges came her way in stride without complaint and faced them. The last three years of her life, she lived at the Legacy House where she never complained of her failing health and always made a point to thank the staff. Her courageous and loving example will continue to inspire her family and those she served in the community. She leaves a legacy behind of people who will desperately miss her including her five children, 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 10, 2018, Sharon Stake Center, 545 South 800 East, Orem with visitation prior to services from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.. Interment will be in Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem. Condolences may be offered to the family online at WalkerSanderson.com