Obituary: Virginia Olsen Johnson

Virginia Olsen Johnson 1920 ~ 2007 Virginia Olsen Johnson, age 87, returned to her Father in Heaven on February 26, 2007 due to complications resulting from an auto accident. Virginia was born on February 9, 1920 in Vernal, Utah where some of her most treasured life experiences occurred. She married Mahlon Anthony Johnson on October 22, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple. He preceded her in death in 2002. Virginia is survived by her five children: Stefani (Jeff), Kevin, Regina (Frank), Glenda (Gordon), Lyndon (Dorene), 23 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother; Raphael, and four sisters: Helen (Larry), Marva, Elaine (Glen) and Norma. She was the eldest of the nine children of Otto Norman Olsen and Mabel Augusta Hansen. She developed compassion, leadership, sacrifice and numerous talents, including: sewing, art, crafts, teaching, music, and public speaking. She was Valedictorian of her high school graduating class and received the only scholarship. Moving to Salt Lake City, she was one of the first women in the University of Utah Marching Band. When her family moved to California, she postponed her education to serve her country in World War II by working in an aircraft factory assembling B-17 bombers as a "Rosie the Riveter". Virginia was devoted to her family. She had a strong work ethic and taught her children to be creative and independent. She loved music almost as much as her family. As a youth, she traveled across the United States with the Olsen Family Orchestra. She was a talented composer and played the piano, organ, clarinet, cello and vibraharp. She passed on her love of music to her children and grandchildren. She loved to do research and write biographies. She wrote a book of historic vignettes of lesser-known historic figures to inspire and build character in children. She was a faithful, life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although her last years were filled with pain, she was always cheerful. She endured to the end; she stayed the course. Funeral services will be held at the Cottonwood 10th Ward, 4930 South Westmoor Rd. (1665 East), on Saturday, March 3rd at 12:00 noon. Friends and family may visit prior to the services on Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Burial will follow in the Lehi City Cemetery 1100 North 400 East in Lehi, UT.