Marilyn Olsen Taylor

Marilyn Olsen Taylor was born into this world on May 27, 1928 in Franklin Idaho in the humble home of Frank Olsen and Ann Powell Olsen. Marilyn had two younger siblings, Sherman Olsen and Deann Beckstead. As an inquisitive and energetic child, Marilyn enjoyed growing up on the family farm. Her parents were of modest means such that her childhood home did not have running water and was heated by a coal-fired stove and cast-iron fireplace. Ann placed warm rocks in Marilyn’s blankets to keep her feet warm at night. Marilyn was treated to a bucket-dipped bath on Fridays. Marilyn worked on the farm and routinely arose in the early morning to pick blueberries, beans and corn. Occasionally she would pick rhubarb and eat it with baking soda, which would cause white foam to cover her face.

After completing all of her primary education in Franklin, Marilyn enrolled at Utah State in 1946. Marilyn was actively engaged in college, participating in leadership positions in the Institute of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because of her natural beauty, sweet spirt and kind demeanor, she was selected to be the Homecoming Queen. She earned her way through college by working as a waitress at the Blue Bird Café on Main Street in Logan. She lived economically with her father’s sister, Rhoda Dopp. She majored in Home Economics, graduating with honors. Marilyn served as a Home Economics student teacher in Hyrum, Utah where she later obtained her first teaching position.

Marilyn married her college sweetheart, Keith Elmer Taylor in 1950 in the Logan Temple, and in 1951 they moved to Sunnyvale, California. Marilyn taught Home Economics in Cupertino, California for three years to pay their living expenses while Keith attended Standford Law School. Kim Taylor was born while they were in California.

In 1954, Marilyn and Keith moved to Salt Lake City, Utah and lived in a quaint home in Sugarhouse, where Clark Keith Taylor (Colleen) was born. In 1960, Marilyn and Keith moved to Bountiful, Utah, where Greg Franklin Taylor (Belen) and Jane Ann Taylor (n/k/a Akira) were born. Marilyn and Keith divorced in 1977. Marilyn then relocated in Bountiful where she finished raising her family. Marilyn earned a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Curriculum Development and Dramatic Arts, and later a certificate in Special Education, all from the University of Utah. Over the years Marilyn taught in number of schools in the Davis County School District. Marilyn’s students adored her as she positively contributed to their lives.

After her educational career, Marilyn purchased apartments and became the caretaker of the units. Marilyn’s tenants appreciated her kindness as she took a special interest in each of them.

Marilyn was a faithful and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She diligently served in countless Church callings over the years. She particularly enjoyed decorating the chapel with beautiful flower arrangements. For almost two decades, Marilyn enthusiastically volunteered at the Church’s headquarters as a tour guide at the Church Office Building, the Lion House and the Beehive House.  

Marilyn was a refined woman. She was well-mannered and polite, and courteous to all. She carried herself with grace and dignity.

Marilyn adored her grandchildren, and they reciprocated by surrounding her with tender affection. The grandkids spent countless hours playing at grandma’s house. They loved sleepovers and woke up early to enjoy a delicious short stack of grandma’s special-recipe chocolate chip pancakes smothered in genuine maple syrup. She affectionately made her home a carefree refuge for the grandchildren where each of them enjoyed unconditional love and support as they matured from young children into young adults.

Most important, Marilyn was a kind loving mother who dedicated her life to her children. She will throughout the eternities reap the rich and plentiful blessings that naturally flow from faithfully discharging her duties and responsibilities as a heavenly mother. Mom, we will dearly miss you as we travel on life’s journey, and will be forever grateful for all that you have taught us and done for us. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 am at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E. There will be a viewing prior to the service from 10:00-10:45 am. Interment will be in the Franklin Idaho Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com