Joan Olsen

Joan Marjorie Olsen, age 78 of Santaquin, Utah passed away January 13, 2018 in Provo, Utah.  She was born July 30, 1939 in Santa Monica, California to George Russell and Marjorie Elizabeth Bentz Thomas.

Joan married William Harold Russon June 12, 1959 in Los Angeles, California and they later divorced.  She married David Albert Olsen July 25, 1973 in Los Angeles, California.

Already a mom, Joan graduated in the first Dental Hygiene class at Idaho State.  She worked as a dental hygienist for forty years while raising her family.  She was a water skier who topped a pyramid on skis.  She was also an accomplished participant in snow skiing, knitting, quilting and embroidery.

She served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Primary President, Relief Society counselor and teacher and as a Laurel advisor.  She recently served a mission in the Philippines Area office.

She is, however, best known as a mother of six children and excelled at supporting their activities as a sports mom for soccer, water polo, cheerleading, basketball, baseball and swimming and transporting school and team members to games and activities.  Her home was a gathering place for children, teens and adults.  She now has 24 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren who all know they are loved.  Friends of her children and relatives are remembering her for her open home, spaghetti or chili dinners and warm welcomes.  She loved and was loved dearly by her husband.

Joan is survived by her husband, David Albert Olsen; children, Joni Lynette Nielson of Oak City, Utah, Dell Thomas Russon of Santaquin, Utah, David Albert Olsen, Jr. of Spokane, Washington, Michael Anthony Olsen of Irvine, California, Amy Elizabeth Lefler of Castle Rock, Colorado, Peter Andrew Olsen of Salem, Oregon; grandchildren, Kirsty Hintze, Jake Neilsen, Kami Maughan, Zeb Nielson, Dylan Russon, Tarryn Roberts, Zeryck Russon, Christian Olsen, Josh Olsen, Peighton Olsen, Ryan Olsen, Tyler Olsen, Nathan Olsen, Kaleigh Olsen, Connor Olsen, Marjorie Lefler, Audrey Lefler, Bentz Lefler, Braden Lefler, Andrew Olsen, Beck Olsen, Camie Olsen, Derek Olsen and Emerson Olsen; 7 great grandchildren; and her siblings, Janet Jensen, Tony Thomas, John Thomas (deceased) and Teresa Kakadelas.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Summit Ridge 2nd Ward, 591 Summit Ridge Parkway, Santaquin, Utah where friends may call from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm prior to services.  Interment will follow at the Oak City, Utah Cemetery.

The family suggests donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.