Zola Olsen

Zola Kay Fannin Olsen, 83, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and so much more to so many, passed from this life on July 17, 2018, to once again reunite with her sweetheart and eternal companion, Kay.

Zola was born on December 13, 1934 in Boise, Idaho to John and Helen Fannin, and was the 8th of thirteen children born to her parents. She grew up in Boise where she enjoyed a variety of sports and academics. She attended Boise Junior College for a short time before she met the love of her life, Ephraim Kay Olsen. They were married for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls temple on December 1, 1953, and spent 58 wonderful years as best friends. They were blessed with ten children that kept their life very full.

Zola always loved swimming, picnics, huckleberry picking, red roses, and visiting with friends and family. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of the legacies she left her family and friends was her love and testimony of her Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ. Zola and Kay served a mission in their later years in McAllen, Texas. They grew to love, and were in turn loved by those they served. Zola and her husband served together for many years in the Idaho Falls temple.

Zola was a ministering angel in relieving pain and distress. She blessed many through wonderful massages, back and neck adjustments, encouraging words and notes, and loaves of her delicious homemade bread. We will dearly miss our beloved Zola.

Zola is survived by eight of her children, Kaylene (Jeff) Roe of Rockford, ID, Garth (Lisa) Olsen of Idaho Falls, ID, Craig (Norielinda) Olsen of Rigby, ID, Velora Olsen of Island Park, ID, ZoAnna Olsen Billman of Idaho Falls, ID, Chris (Kelly) Olsen of Smithfield, UT, Korene Harris of Nampa, ID, and Jinny (Eric) Peterson of Meridian, ID; brother Adrian (Jocelyn) Fannin; 47 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren.

Zola was preceded in death by her husband, Ephraim Kay Olsen; her parents, John and Helen Fannin, 11 of her siblings, Wayne Fannin, Marcine (Leon) Drost, Georgia (Donald) Irons, Reed Fannin, Lilla (Wes) Halbert, Earlis Fannin, Grace (Victor) Riolo, Ruth Fannin, Dawn (Mary) Fannin, Cheryle (Jim) Colburn, Trudy Fannin; two of her children, Nina (Stuart) Haroldsen and Cindy (Bob) Lovell; and two grandchildren, Oliver Wade Haroldsen and Amy Jo Haroldsen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018, at the Iona LDS church, 4707 East Iona Road. A viewing will be held Friday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road and Saturday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to all those at Parkwood Meadows that helped provide such great care for Zola.

Funeral Services will be held