Rose Ann Pond Olsen

Rose Ann Pond Olsen, a devoted wife, a loving mom, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully July 21, 2024 at the age of 87. She was born March 13, 1937 to Richard Smith Pond and Maurine White Pond. She grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah with a younger brother and sister., Richard and Maurine. Her brother, Richard, was a best friend. As adults, they lived a half mile apart. He frequently visited Rose for morning coffee before going to the office.

At the age of 20, Rose married Douglas Olsen. They shared 40 years together before his passing. Together they had two daughters, LaRee and Jennifer, three grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. After Doug’s passing, Rose married Frank Bathemess who has been her close companion for 25 years. He has 3 children—Steve, Brent and Kerri, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

For over 50 years Rose Ann spent time at her summer property in Manila, Utah near Flaming Gorge Reservoir. She was an expert boat operator. She enjoyed waterskiing, fishing, crawdading, and teaching family and friends how to waterski.

Rose was a member of the Fore Lakes Ladies League for many years. She enjoyed golfing and spending time with the other lady golfers.

Rose Ann enjoyed traveling and exploring. Wherever her daughter Jennifer was living, she traveled stateside or abroad to visit her. Rose Ann didn’t know a stranger; everyone was an instant friend.

Rose was a very talented seamstress. She made countless dresses, including wedding dresses, for her daughters, granddaughters, and other family members and friends. Her granddaughters, Deanna and Rachel, remember receiving custom made outfits for Easter and new pajamas to sleep in on Christmas Eve. She taught herself to knit so she could make a special sweater vest for her grandson, Brian. It was a challenge…and it was her first and last knitted sweater vest. In the 1970s, Rose worked during the day for Erna Schirmer, a German neighbor who made valances and draperies professionally. Rose started doing more sewing for the home including valances, quilts, and pillow shams that are in her home today.

Before Christmas, Rose invited her grandchildren to come for dinner and decorate her tree. She climbed Mount Grandeur along with LaRee and almost made it to the top. After Doug died, Rose decided she wanted to learn to snow ski. She bought a $1000 snow suit (the only splurge she ever did) and took skiing lessons. Brian said she made the best Jello salad and mashed potatoes.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm with a small memorial service to follow at 1:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106.