Our angel mother, Olivette Cunningham Hanson, passed quietly from this life to the eternal embrace of her heavenly parents, earthly parents, son, brother and her Lord, Jesus Christ. She took her final breath surrounded by loving family on Thursday, October 20, 2016.
Her battle with Alzheimer's has ended, she can now be free to serve, love, and watch over her family and friends without limitation.
Olivette was born in Ogden, Utah, to Lewis Joseph and Nina Beth Cunningham. She grew up in the Jerome, Idaho, area where she learned to work hard, serve others, and love unconditionally. She graduated from Jerome High School and attended LDS Business College. In 1961 she married James Grant Hanson, the love of her life.
Jim and Olivette settled in Draper, Utah to raise their nine children. Tina (Ron) Mecham, Tim, Ron, Marianne (Bryan) Tischner, Jared, Lettie Kae (Creston) Anderson, Douglas, Robert, Paula Phelps. They now have 23 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
She was devoted wife, dedicated mother, and doting grandmother. She amazingly fulfilled many other roles, such as daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, neighbor, servant, and disciple.
She loved everyone she met and made each person feel like they were her favorite friend. Her smile and laughter were infectious and she had the most kind, gentle spirit. Her countenance shown with the reflection of her Savior, Jesus Christ, because she was like him.
Her passion for music began very early. She was an extremely gifted pianist, organist, and had a beautiful voice. She loved arranging music, singing with others, and accompanying anyone who would let her; serving in her favorite calling as organist in various wards for most of her life. She loved music almost as much as she loved her family. It was her way of expressing love, sharing her testimony, and making the world a little more beautiful.
Throughout the years she thoroughly enjoyed serving in many capacities in the LDS Church, in her neighborhood, and in the community. She loved attending functions for her children and grandchildren and was so proud of all they accomplished. She was an amazing seamstress. Her fresh-baked bread was well renowned. She selflessly used all of her talents to bring joy and beauty to all those around her.
In her later years, mother adored serving in the Jordan River and Draper Temples. She made many special friends there and delighted in the chance to participate in the Lord's work.
She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, and many more who love her dearly. Preceded in death by her brother Joe, her parents, and her son Douglas.
You have touched each of our lives with your amazing spirit and your influence will be felt for generations to come. We love you more than tongue can tell and our hearts will have an empty space until that blessed day when we can look into your loving eyes and greet you once again.
Our family is tremendously grateful to the aides, nurses, and staff at the Wentworth Assisted Living and Stratford Special Care and Brighton Hospice. Who took such loving care of our mom and treated her with the utmost dignity and compassion in the final months of her life.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, from 6:00 to 9:00PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT). Memorial services will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 11:00AM, viewing from 9:30-10:30am prior, at the Draper 12th Ward LDS Chapel on 12353 S. 600 E., Draper, UT. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
