Obituary: Beverly Cristine Olsen

Beverly Cristine Olsen "Cris" It was a bright and beautiful spring day on April 18, 1951 in Brigham City, Utah when Beverly Cristine Olsen made her appearance in this world. She immediately captured the hearts of all who saw her, especially her mother Beverly Barker Olsen. Her father J. Grant Olsen had to wait nine months until he returned home from the Korean War before he could see his first child. Cristine has always had a cheerful and happy disposition and wanted to please and serve those around her from an early age. She delighted in playing with her younger brother Alan and her sweet, younger sister Annette. "Aunt Cris" was a favorite to their children and she received joy from their joy. She was a loving and caring person who was always interested in you and what you were doing. Cristine received her schooling in the Granite School District, graduating from Granger High School in 1969. She continued her education receiving her bachelor's degree from Utah State University where she majored in physical education. She was a favorite teacher to her many students and worked long hours coaching and supporting the teams. She also gave her time to students enrolled in the district summer camp at Woodland. She added extras to all they studied. In later years she earned her master's degree and moved into the counseling department where she continued to influence the lives of the many young people who came to her. She was in that position at the time of her very unexpected death. She passed away quietly in her sleep on Sunday, May 8, 2005. During the summer months, Cristine would open her spacious swimming pool to the neighborhood children so they could learn to swim under her expert tutelage. Her home and yard were always available to group gatherings. She was generous to all with her time and talents and will be remembered for her generous smile, infectious laughter and love of cats. Cristine enjoyed traveling and she was able to spend time in Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. Camping with family was also a favorite. Each summer she and her mother, often with other family members, enjoyed all the plays at Cedar City's "Shakespeare Under the Stars." Cristine was a committed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions. She had a strong testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ and lived her life accordingly. At the time of her death she was serving as a counselor in the Stake Relief Society program. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. All who came into her presence were enriched. She is survived by her mother, Beverly B. Thompson, her caring stepfather, Peter Thompson, her father J. Grant Olsen, her stepmother, Dorothy Olsen, brother Alan (Debbie) Olsen, sister Annette (Darwin) Gillette and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins plus all those whose lives she touched. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 13, 2005, 2 p.m. at the LDS Chapel, 3963 South Peachwood Drive (approximately 3500 West). A viewing will be held Thursday, May 12, 2005, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah 84123 and Friday at the church,12:30-1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations are welcomed at the Granite District Credit Union for a scholarship fund to be established in Cris' name at Granite High School. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.