Barbara Cavaness Olsen

On October 31, 2024, Barbara Cavaness Olsen (87) returned to her loving home and was welcomed into the loving arms of her Heavenly parents, her Eternal companion and adoring husband Darel Orton Olsen, and many family and friends. 

Barbara was born on July 6, 1937, to Bernell Brooksie Cavaness and Virginia Maughan Cavaness. Barbara was their firstborn child and they were extremely excited to have her join the family. Barbara devoted her life to her Heavenly Father and was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she lived every aspect of her life according to God’s will. She was committed to her Faith compounded with a deep love for her family with selfless, service and dedication to all. She became an inspiration to her family and friends. Barbara was very excited every time a new brother or sister was born into the family, her siblings include, twins Keith (Dodi) and Kathleen Cavaness, Carolyn (George) Matsuoka, Gary (Sluvia) Cavaness, Annette (Tim) Waterlyn. Barbara was a delight to her family. 

Because of her adventurous Spirit, she enjoyed a variety of interests that she put to use throughout her life. She saw beauty in all of God’s Creation. Her dad soon gave her the nickname of Bobbie as she loved a good clean game of baseball and could be found out in the neighborhood pitching in a neighborhood baseball game, she learned early to pitch a dew drop baseball. 

After attending BYU Provo for a semester she met her Eternal companion Darel Orton Olsen. They were sealed for time and Eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1959. They made their first home in Magna Utah where Barbara was a wonderful spouse to Darel. Barbara enjoyed would often be picked up by Darel to go ride in the 18-wheelers with him. They were wonderful parents to their children, Thomas Olsen, Keith (Kandy) Olsen, Gae (Bryan) Van Orden, Philip (Marcela) Olsen, and Joan (Bill) High. Their love for riding in the big trucks never stopped even as their family grew, their children were often gathered up to go on a ride with them. Barbara loved gardening, canning, family history, and any wholesome activity that included her family. Barbara and Darel moved their family to Lehi Utah in1973. 

Barbara served faithfully in many various callings in the church, she loved especially working with the primary and scouting programs, however, when her husband Darel retired, she loved that they were able to serve together in an Assisted living home, where they helped with the Sacrament Meeting and Home and Visiting Teaching. Later on, Barbara was called to be a compassionate service leader which she held for over twenty years, her husband Darel was always right beside her helping with anything that needed to be done. Barbara will be greatly missed by her family and all who had the wonderful privilege to know her. She is survived by her 26 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen Cavaness; her brother, Keith Cavaness; her parents; her husband, Darel; her father-in-law and mother-in-law; 3 brothers-in-law and 1 sister-in-law; and some well-loved nieces and nephews. Barbara has greatly missed Darel since his passing in August of 2023. Being together once again they will continue on their Journey of Christ-like service to their dear family and friends from the other side of the veil watching over and ministering to them, so when you hear that 18-wheeler go by just know that Darel and Barbara Olsen are watching over you. Keep on Trucking until we meet again! 

A viewing will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Peel Funeral Home, 8525W. Magna Main St., Magna, UT. The funeral will be Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 am with a viewing starting at 10 am. The funeral will be held at the Wines Park Ward, 481 E. 300 N., Lehi, UT.

Zoom link for the funeral:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7418672185?pwd=VXpVRDJrZGxCQXVNSzNRWGtFbXVQUT09

Meeting ID: 741 867 2185

Passcode: 3nephi1822