Ramona “Darlene” Olson returned to her loving Heavenly Father and her beloved husband, David, on July 10, 2022 in Pierre, South Dakota. The day she was admitted to the hospital, she was told all of her children were coming and she lit up and said, “that’ll be a party”. As one who loved family gatherings, Darlene waited for all 9 of her children to return home to support and surround her with love before passing away.

Everyone knew her as Darlene and was always surprised to find out this was actually her g¬¬¬iven middle name. She loved to sing and would often insist on her kids joining in with her while she harmonized on many car rides back to the country home in Hayes. While none of her children were gifted with the confidence to sing publicly she was proud of each of them regardless and made sure we all felt of her love. This love and pride was always there, unconditionally.

Darlene was born September 12, 1933 in Pierre, South Dakota to John Albert and Christina Catherine (Schulz) Martell. She was the youngest of four children, having two brothers (Robert and Leland) and one sister (Dorothy). Darlene was raised in Pierre and graduated from Pierre High School in 1952. She was very competitive and determined throughout her life. She loved being active. She was involved in Choir and the Girls Athletic Association and was even named Sports Day Queen in 1949. After high school, she worked as a secretary for Erickson and Thorpe Insurance Agency. After a year-long courtship, Darlene and David were married on April 4, 1954 at the Baptist Church in Pierre. Darlene moved out to David’s family farm north of Hayes and wholeheartedly began her role as the best wife, mother, and friend. She was always eager to serve others and sought out ways to love others, making sure everyone felt welcome and loved. She demonstrated throughout her life that she was always someone you could count on. Her confidence and independence was inspiring for all who knew her.

She was very active in her small country community and was an original member of the Happy Home Club, while also supporting her children to be successful in any activities they chose to join. She loved helping with community potlucks, dances, plays, and other events at the Kirley Hall. If neighbors had births, deaths, illness or injury, Darlene could be counted on to drop off a casserole or cookies and offer a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. She loved to have friends and family over to visit, play cards, or play the homemade marble board game. Her fierce competitiveness made her always ready to play, “Just one more.”

Darlene and David were blessed with 5 daughters and 4 sons. Darlene was proud of her large family and enjoyed every minute she could with each and every one of them. Darlene and David did their best to raise their children to know they were loved unconditionally, understand the value of hard work, and be loyal. She also shared through word and deed that she loved the Lord and this great country.

Tragically, David died in a car accident on April 4, 1988. With the passing of her beloved husband, Darlene demonstrated how resilient and fiercely independent she was and has always been. After her children all left home, Darlene became an enthusiastic grandmother to 46 grandchildren, traveling many miles to attend every event possible to support and love each of them including baptisms, sporting events, graduations, and weddings. She had a unique ability to sense when someone needed a phone call or a card to help brighten their day. As Darlene grew older and travel became difficult for her, her children would travel home to visit her regularly, especially for big family gatherings on the Fourth of July. Darlene always said she never felt better than when she had all 9 of her children under one roof.

David joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints just before marrying Darlene and introduced her to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Darlene embraced the gospel and was baptized on April 2, 1955. A few years later on November 10, 1958, Darlene was sealed to David and her children for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City temple. She was a devout member of the church and strived to emulate the Savior in both word and deed. She magnified her callings in the church, serving diligently in the Primary, Young Women’s, and Relief Society. Darlene was especially effective as a Visiting Teacher, faithfully visiting sisters month-after-month, year-after-year. Shared from Darlene’s personal account of her conversion, “When I pass through the veil to the other side, I will be happy knowing that I will meet my beloved husband, David, again, knowing that I have done all I can to prepare myself and my loved ones for eternity.”

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father, her brother, Robert, and her sister, Dorothy. She is survived by one brother, Leland, and all nine of her children: Mike (Linda) of Laurens, IA; Monty (Robin) of South Jordan, UT; Lori (Reed) of Taylorsville, UT; Teri of West Jordan, UT; Tim (Diane) of Hayes, SD; Lynel (Brett) of South Jordan, UT; Paula (Ted) of Phoenix, AZ; Chad (Randi) of Hayes, SD; and KD (Ryan) of Pierre, SD. Darlene is also survived by 46 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a prayer service with visitation after at Isburg Funeral Chapel on Friday, July 15 from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Pierre on Saturday, July 16 at 11:00 am with interment to follow at Scotty Philip Cemetery.

The funeral can be viewed here:

1. Add to favourites
2. Report abuse