Thompson_Beverly Barker Olsen_2 Feb 1930

Beverly Barker Olsen Thompson
1930-2007

On an early clear and beautiful Sabbath morning, March 25, 2007, Beverly slipped quietly beyond this earthly realm to reunite with her mother, father and oldest daughter, Cristine, who died suddenly and unexpectedly two years ago. While daffodils and tulips are in bloom this time of year, Beverly’s hands have now touched a more glorious bouquet, one that will never fade.

She was born February 2, 1930 in Malad, Idaho, daughter of James William and Virginia Ferl Rose Barker. Beverly was sometimes teased about being born on Groundhog’s Day. moving to Brigham City a few years later she was delighted to welcome her new baby sister, Ferl Rose. She was a busy, popular young woman as she attended Box Elder High School. She played the clarinet, worked on the yearbook staff, soloed in dance reviews, participated in the girls’ choir and elected cheerleader. Also named to the “Top Ten” in the scholastic ratings of her class and voted one of four girls her senior year to be the class “Personalities.”

Beverly married J. Grand Olsen July 8, 1949 in the Logan Temple. three children were born to them Cristine, Alan and Annette; later divorced. Beverly went back to work for the next thirty years, holding down two jobs, a full-time position as executive secretary at Granite School District where she enjoyed “Wicked Wednesdays” with the ladies lunch group, and a part-time position at ZCMI.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has always, been an important part of Beverly’s life, having served in may positions, MIA president, writing and producing award winning Road Shows, Primary chorister and in the single adult program. Busy as she was she always had time for the flowers in her garden, golfing, sewing, crocheting, counted cross stitching and ceramics and card games with her friends. She was an exceptional seamstress and made many of her and her children’s clothes. She had a great love for cats and dogs and loved to camp in the beautiful mountains. She and her daughter, Cristine, shared many trips together.

In 1993 a very good friend, Pete Thompson, started courting her and were married and sealed in the Jordan River Temple March 17, 1994, joining their families. Pete’s children are: Merlynn (Ray) Newbold, Barbara, Janice (Doug) Larsen, Andy (Pennie) Thompson, and twins, Kathy and Ken Thompson. They served a mission together in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving in the mission office. They enjoyed many things together including snowmobiling, camping, plays and theatre productions, BYU football games, U of U gymnastic meets and one memorable trip to South Africa.

Along with Pete and his loving family, Beverly is survived by her son, Alan Olsen; daughter, Annette (Darwin) Gillette; 22 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters; Ferl Rose (John Reed) Call, Rebecca (Ray) Willis, Emily Ann (John) Steffensen and Sandra (H. Delon) Jensen. Preceded in death by brother, Lyle Orme.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 30, 2007, 11:00 a.m. at the Granger Stake Center, 2850 West 3835 South. Friends may call Thursday, March 29, 2007, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Friday at the church, 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.