Sheila Ann Olsen

Sheila Ann Olsen, 79, peacefully passed away on February 11, 2018, surrounded by loved ones at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Sheila was born in Logan, Utah, on July 15, 1938, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She met her husband, Dennis, while attending Brigham Young University in 1957. In 1962, she and Dennis, and their two toddlers, Steve (Suzette) and Linda (Owen) moved to Idaho Falls, where she resided for the rest of her life and gave birth to eight other children, Lori (Glen), Timothy (Cynthia), Maria (Ron), Nathan (Allison), Mark (Shannon), Aaron (Cari), Sarah (Rick) and Jonathan (Deanna). Along with raising her children, Sheila turned into a highly influential force for good in the community and state, from which she forged an everlasting legacy – nearly 33 of those years without her dear husband who unexpectedly passed away in 1985 when six of their ten children were ages 6-17.

Sheila’s wide-ranging list of capacities in which she served include the following: Commissioner of the Idaho Human Rights Commission (just appointed to a third term), Commission of the Idaho Redistricting Commission (2011), Charter Member of the Mayor’s Cultural Awareness and Human Relations Committee (1991-2003), Charter Member of Mayor’s Race Relations Ambassador’s Committee (2004), Commissioner of the Idaho Falls ADA Accessibility Commission (6 years), Chair and long-time member of the board for the Development Workshop Foundation, Co-founder of the annual “Unity in the Community” Prayer-a-Thon (1994-2004), founding board member of the Governor’s Work Force Development Council (1997-98), Alumni Board Member of Brigham Young University (1993-1998), member of the Idaho Department of Labor Employment Security Advisory Council (1995-97), and member of the Electoral College (1988 George H.W. Bush).

Sheila had a passion for patriotism and an uncanny ability to utilize the political process to protect our freedoms and advance worthwhile policies. Her career in politics included a long-time member of the Idaho Republican Women, Republican Precinct Committeewoman (30 years), and Vice-Chair and member of the Idaho Region VII Republican Party. Many a candidate recognized her political acumen. As such, she was a consultant or coordinator for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (1992, 2016), Governor Butch Otter (1994, 2006, 2010 and 2014), Superintendent Tom Luna (2006), U.S. Senator Larry Craig (1990), Governor Phil Batt (2002), and several others. She was currently serving as the Bonneville County Coordinator for the Brad Little for Governor campaign.

From 1985 through 2017 Sheila held an annual 4th of July “flag-raising” ceremony using the flag pole erected on her front lawn by her neighbors in honor of Dennis. Through the years this event enjoyed distinguished speakers and performers. The event was attended by friends and neighbors, as well as many of the local and statewide elected officials. It was not unusual to have most of the statewide elected officers in attendance.

Sheila was also a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in a multitude of callings over a lifetime. She also believed strongly in reaching out to other faiths to build bridges of friendship and understanding in the community, and to work together on service and humanitarian projects. She played a critical role in the LDS church as the Director of Public Affairs for her stake from 1980 through 2015. She also served on the Executive Committee of the Greater Idaho Falls Public Affairs Council as liaison between the media and the LDS church. She was frequently asked and entrusted to provide her insight and views to the media with regard to sensitive issues involving religion, faith and politics.

Sheila was an inspiration to many, in her neighborhood, community, state and nation. She enjoyed the companionship of hundreds of friends through thick and thin, many friendships spanning over several decades. She was frequently requested as a motivational speaker at conferences, political gatherings and other occasions. She was the recipient of numerous awards, including the President’s Award “Community Human Rights Activist” by Lockheed Martin, “Service to Family Award” by Brigham Young University, “Exemplary Citizen” by the Rotary Club, “Woman of Distinction” by Zonta, “Who’s Who in American Politics,” and “National MS Mother of the Year” by President George H.W. Bush.

Sheila was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1967 when she was pregnant with her fifth child. However, this debilitating and progressive disease did not impede her whatsoever. It was also not a focus of her life, but merely an afterthought that sometimes required a little more planning to contend with.

Sheila can truly proclaim along with the Apostle Paul that she “fought a good fight, finished her course and kept the faith.” She is preceded in death by her parents (Dorothy and Earl), her husband (Dennis), daughter (Lori), and grandson (Ethan). She is survived and revered by nine children, thirty nine grandchildren, and twenty three great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 19, 2018, at the Idaho Falls LDS Stonehaven Ward, 2055 Coronado, with Bishop Nate Hunsaker officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, Sunday from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Wood East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Monday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.