Marlene Olson Bosen, peacefully walked through death’s door greeted by her husband, mother and many other loved ones early August 20, 2019.
Marlene was born September 15, 1932 to Clifford and Flametta Olson in Salt Lake City, UT. She spent her childhood in Los Angeles, CA and Salt Lake City, UT; graduating from West High School. Marlene married Keith Olsen, they had two children together and soon divorced. Marlene married Wendell “Ray” Bosen on December 28th, 1956 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Ray adopted her two children and together they had five more. After 2 years in Mexico, Marlene and Ray settled in Pocatello, ID where they raised their seven children.
Preceded in death by her husband and parents, Marlene is survived by her sister Delores Hansen – her children Robin, Cindy, Wendell (Leslie), Doug (Teresa), Sherri (Barry), Chuck (Jeanie), and Gerald (Christal) – her 22 grandchildren and – her 32 great-grandchildren.
Marlene is known and cherished for her unconditional compassionate service and love for everyone. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings including multiple times as Relief Society and Primary president. With Ray they served a full-time mission in Macon, GA. For her hard work and distinguished service to young boys in the Boy Scout of America program, Marlene was awarded the Silver Beaver and inducted into the Boy Scout Hall of Fame. She also served as PTA president several times and was an avid election poll worker.
1.) The food: She always had fish sticks for the grandkids, and an avacado to share. Let us not forget about the Egg-nog she would mix with Sprite at Christmas time, and the "pooping" hen at Easter. Her and I shared a love for Grapenuts, although, I don't think she put as much sugar in hers as I did mine.
2.) Her job: When I was a little girl, Grandma worked at a Chinese Restaurant. We used to love to eat there and see Grandma at work. When my uncle and aunt got married, we had a family dinner there. It was sad when Grandma quit working there and the restaurant either closed or changed location.
3.) Young Womens: When I was in Young Womens, my grandma got called to be the Beehive adviser. I was not a Beehive, but it was still fun to have her serving in Young Womens with Tina, Megan, and I.
4.) My Wedding Reception: Grandma and Grandpa Bosen were so nice to let me have my wedding reception in their backyard. Grandma was so patient, and it was a special thing for me to have it in their yard.
5.) Birthdays: I (and everyone else) got a birthday card and money every year. She not only sent a card, but would call every birthday, as well. She even called on my babies birthdays. I still have many of those cards.
6.) Supporting Me: Grandma went to as many performances and games of grand-kids as she could, and I was no different. Growing up I performed many times in different varieties, and Grandma was always there. She loved for us to sing and play the piano for her. She loved seeing the talents of her children and grandchildren. (It was really hard to sing at her funeral- partly because I knew she loved to hear us sing so much).
7.) Fun Fun Fun: Grandma was not a singer, but she sure had fun. One Sock Party (Christmas party) talent show, she did a hilarious lip sink of "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth." She blacked out her two front teeth and all. We all loved it! She was also not afraid to try new things. When she was 82, she went snorkeling for the first time at Discovery Cove.
6.) Temple trips and travelling: Two things Grandma Bosen loved was serving in the Temples/doing Temple work and Traveling. She was always up for doing a session, and I can think of several times I did a session with her - a couple of them while on vacation.
These are just a few memories. I don't ever remember Grandma getting mad, except sometimes at Grandpa- haha :)
She really did live a full and wonderful life. I hope I can be like her someday! Here are some pictures of her in my life:
The viewing and funeral for Grandma Bosen was really nice. I was able to get to Pocatello Thursday night with my mom after flying to Salt Lake City with the baby. Josh drove up from Vegas with the other three kids. They didn't actually get to Pocatello until after the viewing was over. I was able to really enjoy the viewing- saying goodbye to Grandma, taking a few pictures, visiting with people I haven't seen for a long time including family, and feeling the Grandma's Spirit.
The funeral on Saturday was very nice. Each of her 7 children took part in it, and the grand-daughters and great grand-kids sang "A Child's Prayer" and "I am a Child of God." Payson sang his heart out during the second song, and it made everyone smile since we had all been bawling.
She will be missed, but I know I will see her again. Love you, Grandma Bosen!
