Arla M. Olsen
Late on a sunny Thursday morning, November 30th, Mom quietly left us for a joyful reunion with Dad and other cherished family members. The past few months of illness were hard on her, so she was ready to rest in their arms.
Arla was born January 25th, 1933, in Hitterdahl, MN, to Gust A. and Martha Swenson. She attended business college, where she met her future husband, Rodney Olsen, and they married on October 10th, 1952. She was a loving, devoted mother to seven children. Arla sang in church choirs and belonged to ladies parish organizations. She enjoyed knitting, playing cards, and painting ceramic art pieces now treasured by family members.
She is survived by her children Cindy, Kathy, Jenny (George), Edie, Vince (Heather), Ruth (Jay); grandchildren Juliet (Mark), Justin (Rachel), Jasmine, Trent, Chandler, Ezri; great grandchildren Stefano and Sabrina; many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by husband Rodney, son Richard, parents, brothers and sisters.
The family would like to thank the staff at Highland Care Center and the members of the Valeo Hospice team who lovingly cared for Mom in her final days with us. We would also like to thank the staff at Aspen Ridge West Rehab who worked so hard with Mom during her stay there.
Friends may come to share memories with the family on Friday, December 8th from 6 - 8 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E., Salt Lake City. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 9th at 2 pm in the Starks chapel. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking for both services. Inurnment to follow at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E. 4580 S.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Utah Food Bank or Valeo Hospice.