Old cowboys never die, they just fade away… Kay M. Olsen crossed the great divide at sunrise February 17, 2017, in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born January 1, 1927 in Ovid, to Hyrum Peter and Alice Victoria Crane Olsen.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Alice Jolene Olsen, a sister-in-law, Evelyn Olsen, wife of Glen; a brother, Robert Hyrum Olsen, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, LoAine and Darrell Booth, a son-in-law, Edward Lamar Donaghue, husband to daughter Kimberlee; a granddaughter, Angela Olsen, daughter to son Wynn; and a grandson, Paul Adam Bartlome, son to daughter Kari.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arthel Sorenson Olsen, daughters, Kaylene (Jon) Davidson and Kathleen (Larry) Wilde, son Wynn (Lisa) Olsen, daughters Kristie (Rich) Batten, Kari Lin (Mike) Bartlome, Kelly Rae Olsen, Mary Ann (David) Vineyard, Lisa Marie (Tad) Sparks, and Kimberlee Dawn (Edward) Donaghue (deceased); 22 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren, one brother, Glenn, two sisters Sarah Jane Linford and Linda (John) Watts, a sister-in-law, Carol Jean Olsen, a brother-in-law Laurel Sorenson, and various nieces and nephews.

Kay loved the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He held many positions in the church but his favorite calling was teaching priesthood classes.

Kay worked hard his whole life to support his family and he held many positions in the church. One of his favorite jobs were breaking and training horses. He was a rancher, a sheepherder, a sailor, a miner, a plant supervisor, and the last few years he enjoyed working with his cousins in Bennington, on their ranch.

He enjoyed his family and treasured family vacations and spending time outdoors. He and his wife enjoyed going for horseback rides together. He liked family cookouts in the canyon, teasing the grandkids, and just being surrounded by family.

He was always very patriotic and was proud to have served his country in the Navy during WWII. He also assisted with 42 veteran funerals through the VFW.

Anchors away cowboy…

There will be a viewing Friday, February 24, 2017, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Schwab-Matthews mortuary in Montpelier, Idaho. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 25, 2017 in the Bern LDS Ward Chapel, beginning at 1:00 pm, with a viewing that morning from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm.