Our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Helen Mar Olson Middleton, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on March 30, 2021, the 90th birthday of her eternal sweetheart, George, to whom she was married for 54 years before his passing in 2007. They are finally together again.
Helen was born November 27, 1933 in Pocatello, Idaho, to Henry and Mary Helen Olson. The oldest of four kids, her mother died when she was 7, and she was raised by her father, grandparents, many aunts and cousins, and a stepmother Verna, who Helen loved and called Mother.
Helen’s family was the joy of her life. In 1952 she married, George Middleton. They cherished and adored each other, and built a beautiful life. It wasn’t always easy but there was nothing they couldn’t overcome together. They raised and treasured their giant family of 10 children, 47 grandchildren, and a quickly growing number of 29 great-grandchildren plus 2 on the way (that we know of!). Her family was bound by her love and she helped her grandkids be not only cousins, but best friends.
She frequently said that if she could have hand-picked each member of her family she couldn’t have done better. The feeling was mutual: no one could ever hope for a better mom or mother-in-law or grandma.
Despite losing her mom so young, Helen mothered everyone. She welcomed countless people to live long periods in her home, always prepared extra dinner for visitors, and would spend time listening to every problem and dispensing her love and wisdom.
She embodied the depression-era virtues of patience and resilience in the face of hardship, finding joy in everyday routines, and seeing the bright side in any setback. She was resourceful and could put together meals or quilts or clothes no matter how little was available. To the delight of everyone, Helen made multiple loaves of homemade bread three times a week for sixty years.
Helen never had wealth but always had more than enough. She was completely indifferent to material possessions and social status, not envying wealth or position and truly seeing each person as equal to every other. She didn’t seek recognition and couldn’t be distracted from what matters, always focusing on people and their needs, and things of eternal consequence. Happiness could only be found in relationships and service.
Helen lived her religion. She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings including president of the stake Relief Society. A lifetime highlight was serving with George as senior couple missionaries in Michigan.
She worked in the library and later volunteered for many years as a reading tutor at Arcadia Elementary, and considered the kids her friends. She delighted in having friends of all ages.
Helen eagerly anticipated being reunited with George, and with her mom who she hadn’t seen for 80 years. There is great happiness in heaven today. And, hopefully, ice cream.
Helen is survived by her 10 children, Karen (Gerry) Dupre, Brian Middleton, Sharon (Richard) Sanders, Bruce Middleton, Linda (Rex) Morgan, LeeAnn (Randy) Smith, Lynette (Todd) Rich, Brad (Christy) Middleton, Marla (Corey) Daniels, and Lori (Matt) Evans. Also by siblings, Doug Olson, and Beth (Pete) Davies. Preceded in death by her husband George, brother Milt Olson, stepsiblings Eugene Buck and Jeanette Barnes, and great-grandson Thomas Wagner.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 3, at 12:00 pm, at the Taylorsville 23d Ward, 4932 South 3200 West. Friends and family are invited to a viewing on Friday evening from 6-8pm at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South. Services will be live streamed by Valley View.
In lieu of flowers, please buy a book and read with a child.
The funeral can be viewed online at: https://zoom.us/j/98444405833
