Gwena Jean Olsen

Gwena Olsen
Richfield, Utah

Gwena Jean Westenskow Olsen, 93, returned home to be reunited with her eternal companion, Farrell, and her Heavenly Father on March 6, 2021 in Richfield.  She was born August 24, 1927 in Clarion, Utah to Julius and Lillie Chapman Westenskow. She was the youngest and last survivor of ten children.

After graduating from Gunnison High School she married Farrell Olsen on July 17, 1945 in Gunnison, Utah. They were blessed with two daughters: Jeanene and Mavis. Their marriage was  solemnized in the Manti Temple on March 26, 1966. They were married for almost 59 years before Farrell preceded her in death on February 20, 2004.

Gwena had a genuine and enduring testimony of the Savior.  She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She willingly accepted various callings in the Church, including Relief Society president, Primary counselor, and a visiting teacher. She served as the visiting teaching supervisor for many years, assisting several RS presidents.  She and Farrell served in the Salt Lake and Manti temples. She was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and held several offices.

Gwena was a wonderful example of caring for others, faith in the gospel, and belief in the strength of family. She was a friend to everyone with whom she came in contact. She leaves behind a legacy of friendship, love, loyalty and service. She was a good listener and was always concerned about others. She always had a smile.

In the elementary grades, Gwena excelled in English and spelling. She was an avid reader and liked to do crossword puzzles.  She was a fabulous quilter, a skill she learned from her mother. She was a cancer survivor.

Gwena worked at Forsey Candy Company in Richfield and Galbraith and Green Insurance Company in Salt Lake. Mainly she was a homemaker who loved her husband and her lovely girls. Her family was the light of her life. She was so happy when they came to visit. Her most precious calling was being a mother and grandma.

Gwena is survived by her daughters: Jeanene (Carl) Julander, Richfield; Mavis (Jon) Torgerson, Panguitch; 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandsons. She loved each one so much. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Westenskow; and many nieces and nephews.

Also preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Ray, Glen (Neva), Sam (Venice), Jack (Thelma), Perry, Clair and Don (Lois) ; sisters: Thelma (Harry) Christiansen and Dale (Joe) Sorensen.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m. in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel, where friends may call from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, all attendees must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.  Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Monroe Canyon Assisted Living Center where she resided for six years and all the nurses and staff at Stonehenge of Richfield for the loving care that our mother received for the past four years.

THERE WILL BE NO LIVE STREAMING