Marilyn Olsen

Our angel mother and grandmother, Marilyn Johnson Olsen has returned to her Heavenly Father whom she loved and faithfully served throughout her life.  Marilyn had a strong testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ and chose to follow Him in all she did.

She was born on November 1, 1935, in Murray, Utah to Joseph Olaf Johnson and Grace Bateman.  She grew up in Union, next door to her grandmother.  Marilyn had a strong bond and many happy memories with her sister, Virginia Eskelsen.  She also had great love and respect for her brother Dean Johnson.

She married her best friend, Nolan J. Olsen, on July 23, 1955.  They were married for 61 years.  They loved being together, golfing, traveling and spending winters in San Diego.  Surrounded by wonderful friends and neighbors, they created a loving home for their five beautiful children on Roosevelt Street in Midvale and later in Willow Creek.   The "Kool-aid" mom, Marilyn's home and refrigerator were always open.   A woman of tradition, Marilyn loved to gather her family for any holiday or special occasion-Saturdays at the pool, the 4th of July at Fish Lake, New Years in San Diego, Sunday dinner and especially Christmas activities.   Fiercely loyal to her family she was always the first to cheer at a ballgame, celebrate a new baby or attend a graduation.

Marilyn could always be found serving.  Her talents blessed the lives of many in the schools, community and church.  She loved the fifteen years she spent volunteering at Primary Children's and Cottonwood Hospital.  Many women, young and old, were taught the gospel by her kind words and constant example while countless families and senior couples were fed by her nourishing food and compassionate heart.

Marilyn was a librarian at Brookwood Elementary School (where 10 of her grandchildren attended) for 10 years.  As an avid reader and lover of children's literature it was the perfect fit.

Marilyn had a passion for golf, walking outdoors, cooking, shopping, great shoes, her friends (old and new) and her dog, Molly.  She took advantage of early mornings and quiet evenings never missing the chance to enjoy a sunset.

A gifted listener, Marilyn drew people to her.  Her quick wit and generous sense of humor made it easy for people of all ages to connect and love her.  She is a "favorite" among many.

Marilyn taught us to be optimistic and to have hope even when times were troubled.  She faced challenges with her sweet smile and scriptures open.  She showed us how to lift the hands that hang down and how to strengthen the weak-and we are most grateful.

Marilyn is survived by:  her husband and her five children: Mitchell (Kim), Michael (MaryAnn), Matthew (Marci), Marty (Christopher) and Michelle (Alan) Benson.  She is also survived by twenty-three grandchildren: Brooke (Mike) Romney, Katie (Spencer) Park, Mitch (Kelly) Olsen, Beau (Sharee) Olsen, Brandon (Shauna) Olsen, Corbin (Melissa) Olsen, Desi (Kevin) Allen, Braylen (Amanda) Olsen, Matthew (Miranda) Olsen, Millie (Trent) Oldroyd, Eliza Olsen, Tyler (Megan) Olsen, Michael Olsen, Shawn (Nina) Olsen, Henry and Davis Olsen, David, Amber, Alex, Samantha, Hunter, Jordan and Sierra Benson and 36 great grandchildren.

We express our love and gratitude to our sister, Michelle, for the extra care and attention given to Mom over the last seven years.  A special thanks, as well, to Melanie, Mary and Rose for their kindness and tender service the night of Mom's passing.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Sandy Utah Willow Creek Stake Center, 2350 East Creek Road, Sandy, UT.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location with a viewing for family and friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  Interment will be at Murray City Cemetery.