Helen Elizabeth Nelson Olson, 81, of Spanish Fork died Friday, November 21, 2008 at her home. She was born on November 2, 1927 in Spring Canyon, Carbon County, Utah, the daughter of Oliver Willard and Ferrel Blackett Nelson.
Mom grew up in Springville and Spanish Fork, spending many summers on "The Ranch" at Wanrhodes up Diamond Fork Canyon. Helen graduated from Spanish Fork High School. Her brother Leon, was killed in the Bataan Death during WWII. In 1943, when she was 16, her father died in a mining accident after which she helped raise her two younger siblings.
She married Gilbert Hjlmar Olson on February 8, 1947 in Ely, Nevada. She was the mother of five children. One, Lois Ann, passed away as a young child.
Helen was a leader in the community. She was president of many organizations including The Rotary Club, The Chamber of Commerce, and the DUP. She was active in the LDS church, holding many positions, especially enjoying her work with the Young Women Certification program.
She was a great cook, loved the garden and flowers, spending time with her family at the cabin, and family reunions.Helen worked at many jobs over the years, including the Del Monte Cannery, Olson's Greenhouse; and the Petal Pantry. Along with her daughter Karen, she opened and operated Artistic Floral for 16 years.
Survivors include one son, Leon (Susan) Olson; and three daughters, June (Gary) Dutton; Kaye (Mark) Bailey; and Karen Olson; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Wendall (Arlene) Nelson; and one sister, Marie (John) Waters. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert; and her daughter, Lois Ann; a sister, Louise (Fred) Atwood (Bud) Hales; two brothers, Leon Willard Nelson; and William James (Jean) Nelson.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Old 1st and 12th Ward Chapel, 310 East Center Street, Spanish Fork. Friends may call at Walker Mortuary, 187 S. Main Street, Spanish Fork on Tuesday evening, November 25, 2008 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. or Wednesday morning at the church from 11:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
1 comment:
David, I am sure you don't remember me, I am Karolyn "Johnson" Nelson, the daughter of Hagan and Madge Johnson and sister of Denny Johnson.
My daughter, Lisa, sent me your blog because of the article of the recent death of a woman I just loved dearly, Helen Olson.
I found your blog just so fun and many wonderful memories of my heritage.
My youngest son, Chris Nelson, served his mission in Iceland from May 2001 to May 2003. We had the opportunity to spend 10 days on the island and it was just not enough.I am going to be sending your blog to him and he is really going to enjoy it. The many attachement you have added are so terrific.
Thanks for all your hard word and dedication to the project. Karolyn Nelson
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