Helen Petersen Olsen

HELEN P. OLSEN
March 9, 1925 – August 8, 2015
Helen Gayle Petersen Olsen was born on March 9, 1925 in Hyrum, Utah to Algernon and Leah Petersen. As a child she spent her summers at the Hardware Ranch in Blacksmith Fork Canyon. Her father was part owner in the Ranch and raised sheep. Helen helped her mother cook meals for the ranch hands and had many fond memories of her life on the ranch.
After graduation from South Cache High School, Helen attended the University of Utah where she completed her nursing degree in 1946. While in college she met medical student Howard L. Wilder and they were married in 1947. Shortly after graduation they went to Japan, providing their medical services with the post-World War II occupation and reconstruction plan. Their daughter, JoAnn was born after they returned to the United States.
Following her divorce from Howard, Helen lived in San Diego, California and worked as a Public Health Nurse. In 1959 she renewed her acquaintance with a high school friend, Arthur L. Olsen. At the time he was a widower with five children. They were married on June 3, 1960, in the Logan LDS Temple and made their home in Providence, Utah. Their son, Mitchel, was born a couple of years later, completing their family of seven children: JoAnn, Laura Lee, Sharon Marie, Frank Arthur, Kristine, Norman Newell, and Mitchel Stuart.
In addition to mothering a large family, Helen was still actively involved with nursing, working periodically as a Home Health Nurse, School Nurse, and at the Logan LDS Hospital. She was honored by the State of Utah for her efforts in helping to establish a Women’s Shelter/Family Support Center in Logan and in working with the Head Start Program.
With the children grown, Helen and Art moved to St. George in 1985. There she continued her nursing skills at Dixie Regional Medical Center until her retirement in 2000. Helen was an active member of the St. George Chapter of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, holding leadership positions and providing much community service. She was a devoted member of the LDS Church throughout her life.
Helen’s entire life was dedicated in service to those around her. She was famous for her homemade divinity, which she freely shared. It was symbolic of her divine nature
Helen passed away on August 8th, 2015. She is survived by one brother, Marcus (Delaine) Petersen, Logan, Utah, four daughters and two sons: JoAnn Griffin, Provo, Utah, Laura Smith (Delmar), Clarkston, Utah, Sharon Greenwood (Dale), American Fork, Utah, Kristine Jeppson, St. George, Utah, Norman, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mitchel, St. George, Utah, twenty-two grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, one son, Frank, one grandson, Chad, three brothers: Shirley, Cyril, and Richard, and two sisters: Virginia Staup and Evelyn Broberg.
A funeral service for Helen will be Friday, August 14th at 11:00 am in the Allen-Hall Mortuary, with viewings on Thursday, August 13th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and on Friday, August 14th from 9:30 – 10:30 am, also at the Allen-Hall Mortuary. Interment will be in the Providence City Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.net