Elma Marie Olsen

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our matriarch, Elma Marie Anderson Olsen, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Elma was born on March 8, 1936, in Fairview, Utah, to J. Cleon and Selma Anderson. She left this world peacefully from her home in American Fork, Utah, on February 19, 2026, at the age of 89 or as she often told everyone "21 one more time."

Elma's life was marked by her unwavering love and service to her family and community. She married the love of her life, Maxwell Bernard Olsen Jr., on August 3, 1959, in Murray, Utah. Their marriage was sealed for time and eternity in the Los Angeles Temple in 1974. For 61 years together they built a warm and loving home filled with laughter, joy, service, and faith. 

Elma was a dedicated homemaker and devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and her neighbors. Known for her kindness and willingness to serve, she was the Ward President of all the auxiliaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was an inaugural worker at the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Alongside her husband, she served a mission at the Washington DC Temple, sharing her love of the gospel through those important ordinances. 

After Max passed away, Elma dedicated her life to making sure her family knew she loved them. She has always loved fiercely and especially the little ones, sneaking them her peanut M&Ms when parents weren't watching. She became a master at throwing out quips like "I don't know if I'm on foot or horseback," "good in the neighborhood," and especially "I'm trying to be like Jesus." She wanted her family to sing that special primary song so many times in her final days. She truly showed us what that means.

Elma is survived by a large, loving family: her children David (Valerie) Olsen, Janice (Clark) Christensen, Randy (Deborah) Olsen, Jeffrey (Sylvia) Olsen, M. Brett (Patricia) Olsen, Jody (Cleon) Young, and Jennifer (John) Lyman. She will be deeply missed by her 32 grandchildren, 8 bonus grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren who carry on her legacy of love and service. Elma was preceded in death by her parents, her adoring husband Max, and two cherished granddaughters, Rebekah Olsen and Dawn Christensen.

A public viewing will be held at the Anderson and Sons Mortuary in American Fork on Thursday, February 26 at 6:00 PM and another viewing at the American Fork 26th Ward on February 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Elma's funeral service will take place at the American Fork 26th Ward on February 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM, where friends and family will gather to celebrate her remarkable life and the love she shared with all. 

As we bid farewell to Elma, we find comfort in the memories and lessons she leaves behind and in the knowledge that her spirit will continue to guide us. We invite all who knew her to join us in honoring her life and the profound impact she had on our lives.