Rachel T. Olsen

Rachel Tychsen Olsen, 81, of Richfield, Utah passed away peacefully on Saturday December 21, 2024, from complications of a stroke.

She was born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada on May 31, 1943. She was the third of four children and the only daughter of Richard and Gertrud Tychsen. She was raised in Canada but came to the states to attend Ricks College. She continued her education at BYU where she met her husband, Wendell. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple in September of 1965. 

Rachel’s life exemplified what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she served in many callings and in many ways, including callings in primary and relief society, a full-time mission to Micronesia Guam and a second mission in the Utah Saint George Mission.

Rachel started working at the Richfield Family History in 1973. She became proficient in Danish and German genealogical research and served as their staff trainer and then Director of the Center with Wendell for 13 years.

Rachel was deeply talented in many areas of expertise. She was always sharing those talents to bless the lives of people around her. As a well respected watercolor artist, she won many awards and served as the chairman of the Sevier County Commissioners Art Show. She was also a skilled writer and storyteller. At the time of her passing, she was nearly finished with an art storybook that was written for her family. 

Rachel was an amazing seamstress. She made all of her children’s clothes when they were young and designed prom dresses and theatre outfits for neighborhood and school plays. In recent years she was working on making quilts for all of her grandchildren. Rachel learned how to do a lot of handiwork from her mother. Her favorite was crochet. She made many afghans and baby blankets to give to family and close friends.

Rachel loved to help people, frequently sharing the bounties of her garden and raspberry patch with neighbors and people around the valley. She was a friend to all and enjoyed the connections she made while serving in the community. Wendell’s homemade bread and her jam were enjoyed and appreciated by many.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years Wendell, her children Terrel (Rebecca), Hal (Chantel), Michelle, LaVell (Holly), Carl (Emily), Camille (Shane), and Arnel. She is also survived by a sister-in-law Sheila Tychsen, 20 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and grandson Jaguar Ellis.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday December 28, 2024, at 11 A.M. in the Richfield LDS Stake Center, 159 North 400 West in Richfield. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home, 260 North 400 West, in Richfield, Friday evening December 27, 2024, from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the Stake Center Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the services.

Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Rachel’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.

Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.