Sherman F. Olsen

Sherman F. Olsen passed away on March 8, 2026, following complications from a broken hip and subsequent surgery. Throughout his life, he stood as a reliable pillar of strength, loyalty, and honesty—qualities that shaped every relationship he touched and every responsibility he carried.

Born in Franklin, Idaho, on March 7, 1933, in his parents’ earlier home, Sherman lived a modest and frugal childhood. He worked alongside his father on the family farm, where they grew sugar beets, hay, beans, and corn, while his mother tended a garden behind their house. He enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, and when he graduated from high school, the family moved into a new home across the street from their old one. Sherman was the first to carry his belongings over to live there.

Sherman met the love of his life, Rita Mae, when he accompanied a friend to visit his girlfriend—who happened to be Rita Mae’s roommate. Their connection was immediate, and they were married in the Logan Temple on June 18, 1953. They would eventually celebrate seventy years of marriage before Rita passed in September of 2023.They made their home in his parents’ former house and lived in Franklin for the first nine years of their marriage. During that time, Sherman worked on the family farm, took part-time shifts at the Del Monte plant, and accepted house painting jobs on the side to help make ends meet. Rita completed her college degree and taught school in Franklin until the birth of their first child, Cless, followed two and a half years later by their daughter, Holly. Sherman also began and completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Utah State University.

In 1963, Sherman and Rita moved to Roy, Utah, where Sherman began his long career with Utah Power and Light. He retired in 1998 as head of the Accounting Department, having worked in both Salt Lake and Weber Counties. Rita continued her teaching career in Davis County. They lived in front of the church until 1972, when they moved into their new home just behind it.

Sherman is survived by his children: his son, Cless (Tereza) Olsen; his daughter, Holly (Robert) Hotchkiss; his sister, Deann Beckstead; and his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita Mae Olsen; his parents, Frank and Ann Powell Olsen; and his sister, Marilyn Taylor. His legacy of love, devotion, and service lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A man of great integrity and courage, Sherman’s supportive nature, thoughtful demeanor, and kind, quiet manner earned him deep respect. As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served faithfully in several callings. His diligent work ethic and attention to detail were matched only by his steadfast love for his family and friends. He found joy in ballroom dancing, traveling, pheasant hunting, building radio controlled airplanes, and watching military history documentaries. He also had a special passion for model trains—often running five different trains around the Christmas tree, with one weaving through the center. This hobby reflected his patience, precision, and delight in creating moments of wonder. Sherman was a resident of Roy for more than six decades, living a life rich with love, purpose, and companionship.

A viewing will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy, Utah. A second viewing will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Municipal Park Ward building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5900 South 2200 West in Roy (three blocks west of Myers Mortuary). The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon for family and close friends afterward in the cultural hall. Sherman will be laid to rest in the Richmond Cemetery following a short graveside service at approximately 2:30 p.m.

We invite all who knew and loved Sherman to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. This is not a time of goodbye, but a celebration of a life well lived. It's a chance to remember a man who touched so many lives with his kindness and love. Your stories, your photos, and your memories will help keep Sherman's spirit alive in our hearts. As we honor his life, we remember this verse, "I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you." And so, we know Sherman is still with us, standing by us, in spirit and in love.

Condolences, memories, and pictures may be shared with the family on his/her Remember Page at www.myers-mortuary.com.