Geraldine "Jerry" Buchanan Steck

Geraldine “Jerry” Buchanan Olsen Steck was born on November 29, 1931 to Reuben Lorenzo and Sophia Veronica Chavez Buchanan in Manti, UT. She passed away at the age of 94 on June 25, 2026.

Jerry was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister and a friend to everyone she met. She was devoted to her family and found joy in serving others.

She spent her childhood in Manti Utah with her 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Her mother died from complications from pneumonia in 1934, which left him with 5 little children. Her father married Annie Soffe and they added 2 more boys to their family. Her father was the mortician for many years in Manti and surrounding areas. Jerry attended school and graduated from Manti High School.

She met and later married Boyd H. Olsen on July 19, 1950 and moved to Ephraim where they raised their 4 children: Scott, Mitzi, Debra, and Gary. Boyd passed away February 14, 2006.

Jerry took pride in raising her children and with a strong work ethic started making almost everything they wore, becoming a very talented seamstress. Her hands were always busy making prom dressed for daughters and granddaughters as well as christening outfits. She had a outstanding work ethic, she was always busy quilting, crocheting and doing many other crafts. She made quilts for every child and grandchild, and another when they got married. Everyone of them was a treasured masterpiece that was so beautiful they are mostly looked at, but that would make her so mad because they were “made to be used!”. She started doing counted cross stitch and was quickly doing intricate patterns on linen. She started a very complicated pattern on linen, but when her eyesight started failing, gave it to her granddaughter to finish. They won the purple ribbon at the Sanpete County Fair that year.

She was a pro at making rolls and strawberry jam that she made fresh from her garden. A pan of rolls would be gone before they have a chance to cool off. She put her whole heart into everything she did.

Jerry worked at L&M Trailers and was over their sewing department making curtains and cushions for years. When they shut down, she started working for the Bank of Ephraim.

Jerry was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she gained a testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ. She loved indexing and loved her genealogy finding names and stories of her ancestors. This lead her to serve a 2 year mission at the Humanitarian Center in Manti.

Jerry married Jack Steck on December 11, 2010 which brought her 7 more children to love and enjoy along with their spouses and grandchildren. Jack’s family opened their lives and hearts to Jerry and she loved them dearly from day one.

They traveled often to different states in their 5th wheel gaining friends wherever they went. Jack taught her to golf, spending many happy days at Palisades Golf Course. They would take long rides up Ephraim Canyon on “The Goat”.

Family was at the center of their lives for both of them and somehow they always seemed to make it to every single wedding, baby blessing, baptism, graduation, farewell, homecoming and including all the funerals for friends they could. With that large of a family they really showed their dedication to family. They attended the temple as often as possible and were very active in their ward.

Jack was just what Jerry needed and Jerry was just what Jack needed! They spent 11 wonderful years together before Jack’s passing in 2021. Memories and strong family traditions have continued to live with Jerry since her dear sweetheart has left. She has loved hanging out with close family and friends. Her family will miss her but know that she has returned to reunite with family she never had a chance to meet here on earth and loved ones who have gone on before.

She is survived by her children: Scott (Kathy) Olsen, Debra (Kim) Squire, Gary (Deanna) Olsen; brother, Gail (Pam) Buchanan; sister-in-law, Gail Buchanan. She is also survived by 15 cherished grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Boyd; infant son; husband, Jack; brothers: Darrell, Duane, Wallace; sisters: Ruby and May Jean; daughter, Mitzi Ann Olson; grandsons: Chase Boyd Olsen and Jeremy “Herm" Olsen.

Funeral services will be held on July 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Ephraim 5th Ward Chapel, 765 South 100 East. Viewing will be held prior to services at the church from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Ephraim Park Cemetery. Online guestbook and live streaming of the services available at www.maglebymotuary.com under Jerry’s obituary. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.