Emma R. Olsen
Salt Lake Tribune, The (UT) | 15 September 1999
Emma Reeve Olsen, 83, beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend died on September 13, 1999 at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah from complications of a fall. Emma lived a very full and loving life but suffered from failing health in her later years. Emma was born March 18, 1916 in Hinckley, Utah to John and Mary Lyman Reeve. Emma married Grant Rasmussen Olsen on August 3, 1948. Later their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple January 12, 1963. He preceded her in death over 27 years ago. Emma served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States from 1939 to 1940. She graduated from Hinckley High School, attended Brigham Young University and graduated from Henagers Business College. She worked as a secretary for Henagers, for the Civil Service in Hawaii during World War II, and for Hershey Chocolate. Emma was the mother of two children. Emma was always a very devoted mother and quit her job with Hershey Chocolate to devote herself full time to her family. Emma served in many LDS Church callings, including the Primary and Relief Society. Emma was a good cook and loved entertaining her family and friends. Emma loved music and encouraged her children to study organ and piano. She played the piano for church callings and for personal enjoyment. For many years she sang in the ward choir. "Gremma" loved being a grandmother, and always welcomed her grandchildren with love and joy. She loved to travel, visiting Canada, Europe, Greece, Israel, and many places in the United States, including the Northwest, the Eastern seaboard, and the Pioneer Trail. Emma was a kind and generous elect lady, a celestial angel, loved by all who knew her. Emma joined the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP) in 1961, working as a typist and on the lesson committee for the Central Company. She then served in several officer positions, including Secretary and Vice-President before serving as President of the DUP for 11 years from 1976-1987. She traveled extensively in her presidential capacity, speaking at many DUP conventions and company gatherings. She helped to expand the membership of the DUP to an international level, and was instrumental in the publication of several series of books on pioneer histories. During several years, Emma also served as Co-President of the Days of '47 with Floyd R. "Flip" Harmon. After serving as President of the DUP, Emma worked as editor of the monthly newsletter called the Legacy until 1996. Emma is survived by her sister, Adelia R. David, who unfailingly loved and cared for Emma during her elderly and frail years. Adelia selflessly gave to Emma of herself and her love. Emma is also survived by son, Grant (Jeanette) Olsen, three grandchildren Melissa, Anna, Rob, Sandy; daughter, Sylvia (Michael) Kralik, three grandchildren Christine, Elizabeth, Stephen, Salt Lake City; sister, Margaret (Kenneth) Soffe, Provo; brothers Grant (Ann) Reeve, West Jordan; Reed (Dawn) Reeve, Salt Lake City; sisters-in-law, Laurel Tanner, Salt Lake City; Beverly Olsen and Jodi Olsen of Mt. Pleasant; brothers-in-law, Bryant (Beth) Olsen, Salt Lake City; and Douglas (Dorothy) Olsen and Donald (Rose) Olsen, Mt. Pleasant. Preceded in death by parents, husband Grant on January 7, 1972, sister Florence, and brothers, Bryan, Fenton, Carlyle, Mark, Dean, Fred and Platte. Many people knew and loved Emma and she will be greatly missed. Her funeral will be at 12 noon on Friday, September 17, 1999 in the Salt Lake 33rd Ward Chapel, 453 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City. Friends may call on Thursday, September 16, 1999 from 6-8 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive and at the ward on Friday from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.