Blanche Olson (born Seely)
Personal
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: September 27, 1911
Date of Death: October 24, 2004
Birth Place: Mt. Pleasant, UT
Death Place: Ephraim, UT
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Blanche Seely Olson |
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1911 ~ 2004 MT. PLEASANT, UT – Blanche Seely Olson, 93, passed away peacefully at the Golden Skyline Living Center, Ephraim, Utah, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004. Blanche was born Sept. 27, 1911, in Mt. Pleasant, Utah the 10th child of Justus Lehi and Margaret Jensen Seely. She married Ray Jacob Olson June 7, 1933. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple, April, 1, 1954. They are the parents of four sons. As a young girl, Blanche moved to Sego, Utah where she attended her first three years of school. When she was eight years old, her father died, resulting in her family returning to Mt. Pleasant. At this time, finances were very difficult but she finished her primary grades. Then, through the love, support and generosity of her older sister, Verlie, Blanche graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1929. Blanche was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found joy in giving service as a visiting teacher and in other callings. She and her husband, Ray, served as officiators in the Manti LDS Temple for several years. Being a granddaughter of a Martin Handcart Pioneer, she greatly appreciated her membership in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP). Blanche loved to visit new places and see new people and new things. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, her friends, and her children. To her, America, with it’s beauty and splendor was the best. Blanche loved the out-of-doors. She enjoyed helping Ray and her sons on the family farm – milking cows or driving tractor. For the yearly deer-hunt, she was up early to prepare steak and eggs and a hearty lunch for her men. Another special love for her was “Club.” For years, she and Ray enjoyed lasting friendships because of the Pinochle Club, and treasured associations developed through the Literary Club and Women’s Club. Playing table games spilled over from friends to family – whatever the game, Blanche and Ray were up to the challenge. Grandchildren remember the fun, the laughter and the rule: Grandpa and Grandma show no mercy – they want to win! Blanche’s life was one of love, compassion, service, and generosity. She dearly loved her family, neighbors, and friends. She had a keen awareness of others, and willingly and lovingly shared all she had with those she knew and loved. Blanche was a loved “grandma” to neighbors and children of all ages. Her arms and heart were always open and ready. She kept a twinkle in her eye, a smile on her lips, and cookies, goodies, and homemade lemon meringue pie ready to eat. To have her family all together was vital to Blanche’s happiness and peace. She loved to be surrounded by those she cherished. Her true gift was to connect with each individual. No one was left out. Her beautiful love knew no bounds. She gracefully and genuinely touched the lives and hearts of everyone. Blanche is survived by her sons, Gerald Ray (Carolyn), North Logan, Utah, Dennis Scott (Norma), Richfield, Utah, Robert Dee (Roene), Fairview, Utah, and Richard Kent (JoLynne), Salt Lake City, Utah; sister, Verlie Kirk, 99 years old, Salt Lake City, Utah; 15 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchil-dren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Tuesday, November 2, 2004, Mt. Pleasant 6th Ward Chapel, 461 North 300 West, Bishop Bryan Me-cham conducting. A viewing will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment will be at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery. Published in The Deseret News, (Salt Lake City, UT) – October 31, 2004 [Granddaughter of SGS # 2336 – Blanche; Justus Lehi; William Stewart (# 2236); Justus Azel (# 836); Justus William; Joseph; John; Benjamin; Nathaniel, Robert] |
