Mabel "Marva" (Olsen) Johnson Obituary (1930 - 2019)

Mabel Marva Olsen Johnson passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in her home on September 9, 2019. She was born on March 4, 1930 to Otto Norman and Mabel Hansen Olsen in Vernal, Utah. At nine years old, her family moved to Salt Lake City for a short time, and then settled in Hollywood, CA where she spent the rest of her youth and graduated from Hollywood High School. She attended L.A. City College, and then Brigham Young University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She then taught 2nd grade in California and in Spanish Fork, Utah. While leading the singing in the Sacrament Meeting of her BYU ward, she caught the eye of a handsome visiting high councilor named Eldred Johnson. They courted for several years before finally being married for time and all eternity in the Manti, LDS temple on June 6, 1963. She quit teaching to raise her five children. Marva held many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, including Primary teacher, Relief Society and Sacrament Meeting chorister, Relief Society pianist, Relief Society teacher, Relief Society presidency, temple ordinance worker, and even a "tithing clerk" in her youth. She believed fervently in the gospel of Jesus Christ and would do anything asked of her to serve in the church, as well as many things behind the scenes to serve individuals. For several years she opened her heart for President Kimball's Indian Student Placement Program, and welcomed three Navajo foster children into her home. She is well-known for her kindness, generosity, and putting others before herself. Her greatest love is her family, and she made countless sacrifices for them for which they are eternally grateful. While raising young children, she taught private violin lessons in her home. She also started a stringed instrument program at American Heritage School. Later she babysat in her home to earn extra money, and eventually re-certified to teach elementary school, followed by teaching 3rd grade for most of the time until her retirement. She did all of this in order to help provide for all five of her children serving LDS missions. At one point, three of them were out at the same time before the church subsidized missionary expenses. As a child, Marva participated by playing percussion instruments in the Olsen Family Band, consisting of her parents and eight siblings, even touring across the country and performing at numerous venues. Her love of music continued as she taught and provided both stringed instrument and piano lessons for her children and some of her grandchildren. She led her own Johnson family orchestra in performing for weddings, funerals, banquets, church functions, etc. Marva is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and seven of her eight siblings. She is survived by her children Peter (Chari), Carolee, Rick (Stephanie), Tim (Melissa), and Becky, 12 grandchildren, three great grandchildren with three more greats on the way, as well as her sister, Elaine Huber of Ridgecrest, CA. She is deeply and profoundly loved by all her family and loved ones, and she will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lindon 14th Ward chapel, 320 West 500 North, Lindon, Utah. A viewing will precede the funeral from 9:00 - 10:45 a.m. Interment will take place at the Lindon City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.