Joan Rue Olsen

Captain Joan P. Olsen, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and proud servant of justice, passed away surrounded by her loving family.

Joan dedicated 32 years of service to Utah Corrections, where she led with courage, integrity, and compassion. She believed deeply in the values of dignity, fairness, and faith — treating every person she encountered with respect and humanity. Her legacy of leadership and strength continues to inspire those who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Joan was the beloved wife of Jake Olsen, with whom she shared 53 beautiful years of love and partnership. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, faith, and adventure. She was the proud mother of Alexis Olsen and Tara Nelson, whose lives reflect her strength and unconditional love.

Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren — Nathan and Kaylsa, and great-grandson Hudson — along with Kassieh, Carly, Colton, Kylan and Reagan. “Grandma Joan” found her truest happiness in their laughter, milestones, and company.

A true Western spirit, Joan found peace on horseback and freedom in the mountains she loved to ride. She adored her animals — especially her chickens — and filled her days with the simple, joyful rhythms of rural life.

Those who knew Joan will remember her as a force of nature — vibrant, outspoken, and full of life. She was as likely to offer a fierce word of tough love as she was a tender embrace. Through it all, her heart shone with joy, humor, and the kind of authenticity that left a mark on everyone she met.

Joan believed in the Holy Spirit, in justice, and in the power of love to change the world — one act of kindness, one brave word, one generous deed at a time. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

She will be profoundly missed and forever loved.

Joan is also survived by her siblings Rodger (Robyn) Poulson, Mark Poulson and Jean (Bruce) Guymon. She is preceded in death by her parents Lois Binning and Charles Poullson, son-in-law Gary Nelson, and her granddaughter Chloe Nelson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 08, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Ephraim 6th Ward Chapel (450 N 200 W) with a visitation from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. prior to services at the church.

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will be Available at 1:45 p.m. MST prior to services.