Deborah Lynn Olsen

The most bitchin woman this side of Jackson Hole passed away on Wednesday, February 8th, 2023. Deborah Lynne Lowrey Olsen was born on January 13th, 1949 in Sacramento, California. Her childhood was filled with trials and tribulations, but also wild adventures. She was the proud wife of Jim; sister of Terrie, Cindie, and Robin “Bob”; the mother of Chad, but more importantly, a friend to all.

Growing up in southern California, she spent her days in the sun, swimming in the family pool and living a life full of experiences. She worked at Pacific Bell as a telephone operator (you know, those people you had to call to get a phone number before Google?). She also worked as a cook, waitress, a catering director, and a CNA. She took great pride in being a CNA and loved to help others.

Not everyone knew, but Debbie first became a mom in 1972. Although she only held him for a brief moment in time, she wanted the best for that little boy, Scott, and allowed another family the chance to be parents by giving him up for adoption. Then, in 1975, she became the mother to Chad. Parenting wasn’t easy for Debbie, but she did the best that she knew how. Despite the trials of parenthood and being a single mom, she made sure to fill hers and Chad’s lives with memories and experiences.

In 1981, she met Donn “Red” Griffith. They were married in a Little White Chapel (not the Hallmark kind, it was in Vegas) in March, 1982. Donn, Debbie and Chad then moved to Logan, Utah, eventually settling in Providence. Utah gave Debbie a love for the mountains and nature that lasted throughout her life. Her weekends were filled with camping and living away from the bustle of town. Debbie loved nature, but hated skunks and they seemed to hate her, too. She lays claim to having been sprayed at least three times.

After Donn and Debbie divorced in 1989, she and Chad moved back to Logan, living down on the island. They moved to Moab in 1992 to be closer to her brother, Bob. After a month, Debbie felt that she had given Chad all that she could and moved to Denver. She travelled and experienced the greatness of life, but also the pain of Hell.

She endured what no person should and after a near death experience, she moved back to Logan. She began to make amends with her son and her grandchildren as she began the next chapter in her life. She returned to USU, where she had worked before, and was in charge of Catering at The Hub, in the TSC. She loved her time there and made many, many friends with her big smile and contagious laugh. Anytime that someone tried to rain on her parade, she would remind them “Sis on you, pister. You’re not so muckin’ fuch!”.

In 2000, she reunited with an old friend, Jim Olsen, and she found love. Debbie and Jim were married soon after, beginning what would be the most love that she had known. Jim and Debbie bought a cute little cottage on Marindale Lane and made a house a home. Jim and Debbie travelled throughout the mountains where Jim showed her the beauty of the natural world that she had not previously known. They loved to travel to Island Park, spending days in the great outdoors.

Debbie was fiercely patriotic and had a deep love of America, freedom, dogs and music. She would often let the neighbors listen to her favorite artists like Bruce Springsteen, Elvis, and Lee Greenwood (she may not ever admit it, but she learned to love Metallica, too) as she played records on full blast, whether the neighbors wanted to or not.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bob, nephew Richard, and her dog Cubbers.

Her memory will keep on rockin in the free world by her husband Jim: son, Chad (Cammie); her grandchildren Kahlyssa (Mckay) Horsely, Chandler, Isaac (Allie), Seth, Taegan and Kestley; her great-grandchildren Brightley and Emberly; her mother-in-law Marlyn, Brother-in-law Mike; Sister-in-law Chris (and family); brother-in-law Kenny (and family).

Services will be provided by Allen-Hall Mortuary. She will have a viewing, Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 at 12:00 pm with services immediately after at 1:30 pm.

The next time you hear the National Anthem, stand up, take off your hat, place your hand over your heart and as you feel your heartbeat, be proud to be an American. That’s what Debbie would want.

Funeral services will be held under the direction Allen-Hall Mortuary and memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com