Kathy Olsen

An earthly angel has rejoined the Heavenly Realm. Kathy Turnbow Olsen, age 70, passed away quietly with her family at her side on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, of complications from End Stage Renal Disease.

Born April 29, 1953, in Provo Utah to Lloyd and Dorine Turnbow. Raised in the Canyon Rim area of Salt Lake. Attended Skyline High, where she was a cheerleader. She attended USU and graduated from a medical assistant college.

In high school she met her future husband, Paul Olsen. Their love story continued as Paul served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They were married in the Manti Temple on September 26, 1974. The family lived in Granger, West Jordan and for the last 37 years in Sandy, Utah. Wherever she lived she brought joy, love, happiness, and humor to others.

Kathy and Paul created a family of two sons and two daughters. Eleven grandchildren followed. Her family was her life and sustained her through many good times and times of waning health. Nothing meant more to her than family gathering around her. She in turn was the center of our universe, dynamic in reaching out and loving us all, teaching us to be strong and to be firm in our faith in the Savior. Music was in her soul, she taught us to love music and she also taught children in the Primary organization to find joy in the gospel through music.

Kathy always had a testimony of the Savior and his Atonement, and of the restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints she served as a music leader, young woman advisor, relief society teacher and in many Primary callings. With her husband she served in the Hispanic Initiative and as a temple worker in the Draper Temple. All scriptures were her iron rod and she studied with real intent. The Book of Mormon was her great instructor, leading to a deeper understanding and love for God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Kathy is survived by her husband Paul, children Steven (Stephanie) Olsen, Brian (Jennifer) Olsen, Wendy (Brent) Buchanan, and Melissa Olsen and her grandchildren Josh and Paige Olsen; Kaitlin, Owen, Emma, Adison, and Quinn Olsen; Kirstie, Ian, Tanner, and Carter Buchanan. Also survived by her siblings Jane Staten, Lynda (Kelly) Taylor, Jackie Black, and Rick (Brenda) Turnbow and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, sister Vicky Standing, and brother-in-law Jim Staten.

Thank you, our wonderful neighbors and friends! A special thank you to her long-time physician, Dr. Roy Gandolfi, her dialysis team and friends at Fresenius Kidney Care Riverton, and to the T9 staff at IMC and Intermountain Hospice.