Irene Olsen

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https://zoom.us/j/99230338437?pwd=UWV5L3BMdlRxQVR1eHh4M2NLNGgvQT09

It is hard to admit, but apparently, I have passed on. My Sunday School teachers said it would happen one day but that's simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience. My “worn-out, much-used body” finally gave out on December 31, 2022 after a lifetime of sharing my home and hearth with family, a legion of friends, and others – I have never met a stranger! 

Several years ago, I was reading my father’s journal – he chronicled all of the momentous occasions in his life. On December 18, 1934, there was a noteworthy event. He wrote, “mother left me last night…but she came back today and brought me a baby girl…” Wow! I made the headlines! I was born into the loving home of Phineas Leo Cook and Thelma Leavitt. I was the ninth of ten children where I apparently held the coveted spot as “favorite” (it is true – I read it in my dad’s journal).  Normally, this would stir feelings of jealousy in older siblings, but my charm was so overwhelming they couldn't help but adore me. 

I attended grade school in a three-room school in Garfield, Idaho where I quickly gained notoriety as “teacher’s pet!” An occasional apple for the teacher never hurts! After graduating from Garfield Grammar School, I attended Rigby High School where I worked hard and got good grades, despite the fact there were so many cute boys. I was in heaven! There was one boy in particular who caught my eye – Vernon Olsen. He was an identical twin who had swarthy dark hair and a dashing smile. Oooh, he was handsome! After a few awkward conversations in the school hallway, he finally mustered the courage to ask me out to an upcoming school dance. Momentarily forgetting he had already asked another girl; he was not about ruin his chances with me. He enlisted the help of his brother Vernal to take the other girl. No one was the wiser and everyone had a great time. This dance was the beginning of our journey together. Vernon and I dated off and on for 4 years until he finally mustered that same courage once again and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said “yes”, and we were married on March 18, 1954, in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Since that first kiss, our journey took us to Moses Lake, Washington, back to Rigby with welcomed seasonal jaunts to Yuma, Arizona to bask in the warmth, and a final destination in Ammon, Idaho. We went everywhere and did everything together – we were best friends! Vernon and I built our forever home together, enjoyed camping with the family, going on grand adventures on a meager budget, riding 4-wheelers and playing pinochle with friends, all while doing our best to support our family. We worked hard to create a life centered around God, family, hard work, laughter, overcoming heartache, with lots of love and service. Our children are our greatest accomplishments. Janine (Michael) Clifford, Peggy (Marc) Marquiss, Tracy (Pamela) Olsen, and Daryl (Cheryl) Olsen have each carved out their own successful lives – Vernon and I are so proud of them! But it gets better! The grandchildren and the great grandchildren (they say this is the reward for not strangling your teen-aged children; I must agree!) We have 13 of the grand variety and 20 of the great grand type. Each one beautiful and talented in their own way and it has been rewarding to see them grow and develop into beautiful sons and daughters.

I am looking forward to seeing my husband, Vernon Olsen, as well as my parents, sister and brothers: Anna Cook Jex, Vernon Cook, Phineas Cook, Alfred Cook, twin baby brothers, and Harvey Cook. I am survived by my children and their families, my sister Ellen Cook Gneiting and my brother Ivan Cook.

My faith in Jesus Christ is everything to me. It has provided valuable guidance and enriched every experience in my life. I deepened my understanding of His ways as I served my fellow sisters in the Relief Society, taught children about Him in the Primary, and extended friendship and a listening ear through ministering to all who needed it. My cup has been filled by each experience!

In parting, I want you to know that I have loved my life. I am proud of who I have become. I am grateful that those before me did not give up when it was hard. I know that I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father, and that He lives. I am looking forward to seeing you all on the other side where we can continue building what we have started here on earth. Thank you all for being a part of my grand, earthly journey.

With much love,

Irene

PS: Hey! You know I love visitors! I will be making my final appearances on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Ammon 26th Ward located at 1100 S. Tiebreaker Drive in Ammon from 6:30-8:00 p.m., with an encore at the same location Friday, January 6, 2023, 9:30-10:45 a.m.  My funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. (I made them promise it will only be an hour).  Interment will be at the Ucon Cemetery.