Monnie Olsen

MonnaLee Olsen
Richfield, Utah

MonnaLee Martines Olsen, 97, passed away October 15, 2021 at her home in Richfield.  “Monnie” was born April 28, 1924 in Richfield, Utah to Arvilla and Haren Thomas Martines, the second of three children, and is preceded in death by her sister Darlene, brother Don, and son John.

Monnie graduated from Richfield High School and spent the next two years working in Washington, D.C. for the Army in the war effort.  She returned to Utah where she worked as a secretary for the head of the Chemistry Department at the University of Utah, Dr. William Burke.  She had one of the first electric typewriters at the University.

She met her husband of 74 years, Tex Olsen, while he was on leave from the Army Air Corp where he was trained to fly B-29 bombers.  Their dates involved flying to Salt Lake City for a lunch or Bryce Canyon for a hike.  They married August 30, 1947.  She continued in the Chemistry Department where she made many lifelong friends.  Tex completed his law degree and the two moved back to Richfield where they made their home.

Tex and Monnie had four children: David, Pam, Scott and John.  Monnie thrived as a mother while maintaining a sense of responsibility to help in the community.  She believed that there were many good people who just needed a chance to do better.

Monnie was passionate about serving others, and was an influential member in several local charity organizations and efforts.  She saw a need and helped found the New Horizons Crisis Center.  Her efforts and good heart gained her recognition as the Woman of the Year in 2020 where she was honored to ride in the 4th of July Parade in Richfield. She enjoyed her work as a board member with the Prison Coordination Committee. Her Church service was tireless and was always focused in areas where she could help someone else.

She viewed her greatest achievement as her family.  She was adored by her children and their spouses, her 13 grandchildren and 25½ great-grandchildren, all of whom spent significant time with her.   Tears were frequent when it was time to go home.  They never left without being reminded by her of the importance of family.

She is survived by her husband Tex, her love of 74 years; children: David (Rosemary), Pam Gosman (Jeff), and Scott (Jana).  Her heart was broken when her son, John, was killed in a waterskiing accident at Lake Powell.  She is also survived by untold friends who loved and were there for her.  She saw the best in them and they in her and her faith in the goodness of people never wavered.  She will be missed.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 12:00 Noon in the Richfield 9th Ward Chapel. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-7 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield, or Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the ward chapel. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com