Fern Sharp Olson's Obituary
Fern quietly left this life on May 14, 2024 in North Ogden after a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born February 21, 1937 in Preston, Idaho, the sixth of seven children of Elmer Alonzo and Luella (Gregory) Sharp. She spent her youth living next to Sugar Creek in Mapleton surrounded by aunts, uncles and scores of cousins.
After graduating from Preston High School, she attended LDS Business College where she received training as a stenographer. It was at this time she met her husband, James Forest Olson, and three months later they were married on August 30, 1957 in Preston, Idaho. They were blessed with three children and were later sealed as a family in the Salt Lake Temple in 1964.
Fern served in the church as a Primary teacher, Librarian, Chorister, and Activities Chair. Her favorite calling was leading the music for various meetings and working with children.
In the year 2000, she and her husband served a mission to South Africa where they worked in the Distribution Center in Johannesburg. She loved this time of service and loved the people of South Africa, especially the people of Soweto.
Fern enjoyed traveling. She traveled all over the United States and Europe. She enjoyed camping and spending time in the mountains, but her favorite activity was spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband, son, Richard James Olson, daughters, Lucinda (Brian) Hewitt, Diane (Jim Olsen) Olson, sisters, Roberta Butin, and Ivona (Jim) Axelton, 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and two great-great granddaughters.
Fern was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Elmer Ferrin Sharp, sisters, Blanche Newbold, Roma Crockett, Arlene Wanner, and granddaughter, Jessica (Hurst) Rumel.
Her family wishes to thank her nurse, Taylor and the rest of the team from Inspirations Hospice for their care and support.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., May 30, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1150 E. 2600 N., North Ogden, Utah with a visitation starting an hour prior. Graveside will be at about 3:00 p.m. on the same day at the Preston Cemetery, Preston, Idaho, where she will be laid to rest.
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