Allie Jean Olsen was born in the rural town of Monroe, Utah. Her parents, Oluf and Jemina Olsen farmed their small parcel of land and struggled to provide for their eight children. As a little girl, she never dreamed to one day make her home in "The Big City," Salt Lake. From those humble beginnings, it was unimaginable that she would one day live in some of the world's major metropolises, travel the world giving speeches, and make such a difference in people's lives that they would name their babies after her.
Allie's transformation from a nearly barefoot little girl to an influential world traveler is like a fairytale coming true. It seems her life was directed to this end.
After graduating from high school, Allie moved to Salt Lake City and there met Royden Glade Derrick. They married in 1938 and raised their four children in the Monument Park area of Salt Lake. During this time Allie supported Royden in his business, civic, and church responsibilities. Much of Royden's successes are attributed to Allie's unfailing support and encouragement.
Allie accompanied her husband when he was called to preside over the England Leeds and Ireland Dublin Missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With Royden's calling as a General Authority Seventy, she had further opportunities to see beyond Utah's vista. She and Royden lived in the Seattle area as she served as the matron at the Seattle Temple. While living in Hong Kong, as Royden served in the Asian Area Presidency, Allie travelled with her husband throughout Asia teaching leadership principles and testifying of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Since Royden's death, Allie defined for her family and friends the meaning of enduring to the end. She did this with grace and happiness, always brightening those within her reach. A September-long celebration of her 100th birthday was a culmination of her lifetime achievements.
On the day before Christmas her surviving children, James (Karen), David (Marsha) and Bruce (Trish) foresaw the possibility of Allie arriving as a special Christmas reunion for their father and sister Linda (Roger) Wood who preceded her in death. In addition, she leaves a posterity of 18 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. Of her Monroe family, her brother Leland survives.
"… out of small things proceedeth that which is great." From little Monroe to the world was, in fact, a fairy tale coming true!
The family thanks Dr. Bryce Peterson, her physician, and the Brookdale Senior Living staff for their loving care.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ensign Stake Center, 135 A Street. Friends and family may call Monday evening from 6:00 ‚ 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, and Tuesday morning at the stake center from 9:30 ‚ 10:40 a.m. prior to services. Interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
