Loraine Olson West

Loraine Olson West, 92, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Farr West, Utah of natural causes.
She was born September 7, 1928 in Wellsville, Utah, a daughter of Helmar (Hjalmar) Alexander and LaRena Jones Olson.
She spent her early years in Logan, then moved with her family to a farm in Harrisville. She attended grade school, Wahlquist Junior High, and Weber High School, graduating in the Class of 1946. She studied business and secretarial courses for two years at Weber College. She was employed at Jackson Finance at 26th and Washington Blvd.
Loraine married Loyal Junior West on June 21, 1950 in Ogden, Utah. Their vows were solemnized one year later in the Salt Lake Temple.
She supported her husband throughout his music career and attended all band concerts, halftime shows, recitals, parades, rodeos, and dance band jobs. They loved to go camping in the Tetons, boating and waterskiing on Pineview, hiking in the mountains, and exploring the western states with their family. They enjoyed square dancing, participating in two clubs. They traveled extensively throughout the world and went on many cruises.
Loraine was a devoted mother and found great joy in being a homemaker and raising her three children. She was a skilled seamstress, a superb cook, and a devoted room mother at Polk School. She kept a clean and immaculate home. She loved to work in her spacious yard and flower beds. She honored her Swedish, Welsh and Early Church heritage. She was the ultimate hostess, preparing many memorable family dinners, and establishing and sustaining family traditions. She loved her grandchildren dearly. Each one knew they were very important in her life.
Loraine began federal civil service in 1978 with employment at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a tax examiner. She earned a promotion and transferred to Hill Air Force Base, working in the Comptroller's Office with the 1881st Communications-Computer Systems Group. She retired from government employment in 1991.
Loraine was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, residing in the Ogden 33rd Ward, renamed the Taylor Canyon Ward, and later moving to the Pleasant Valley 4th Ward. She found great joy in serving. She played the piano for Junior Sunday School and Primary and the organ for other meetings. She served on the Relief Society compassionate service committee for many years. She supported countless youth in scouting and on missions. It was of great importance to attend the temple with every grandchild for missions and weddings.
Loraine loved music and was a patron of the arts, including local theater productions, the Utah Symphony and Ballet West. She was a philanthropist and supported every good cause. She was an avid reader. She never missed a JAZZ game. She loved to invite her grandkids for sleepovers and take them shopping and out to lunch.
The greatest measure of her service and devotion was to her dear husband, Loyal J. who lived with ALS for 3 1/2 years. She provided for every need with courage and optimism in the comfort of their home. When life became difficult, together they would "count their blessings." He died May 15, 2000.
Loraine will be remembered as an elect lady, a provident woman, and one who found the very best in every soul. Her posterity will forever call her blessed.
Surviving are one daughter, Laurie (Robert L.) Hillier; two sons, Dr. Michael L. (Karen) West, and David A. (Heidi) West; 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; and her hair stylist. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Dauna G. Seager; her husband, Loyal J.; Clifton's Ladies Apparel, Andy Williams, and Alex Trebek.
Family graveside services will be held at the Ogden City Cemetery Saturday, February 13th at 11:00 a.m. Those attending are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing due to COVID restrictions. Arrangements are under the direction of Myers Mortuary of Ogden.
The graveside service will be live streamed on Myers website www.myers-mortuary.com To watch scroll to the bottom of the obituary page at 11 a.m. and the video will be up. The service will stay on our website indefinitely if you miss it or are unable to watch at that time.