Greta Bandley

Greta Madge Olsen Bandley, 76, died peacefully at her Orem home Friday night, November 21, 2014. She had a long history of heart problems, but recently struggled with two hip fractures and associated surgeries. She has finished her work here on earth and is undoubtedly enjoying the reunion with her beloved ancestors and close family members who preceded her in death. We envy those fortunate souls who will enjoy her ever positive outlook, her infectious smile, her fun loving nature, and her overwhelming love, while we, earthbound and sad, are temporarily bereft of her presence. We are grateful for the testimony of eternal life which she instilled in her children and grandchildren, and find solace in that knowledge. Greta's was a life well lived; she left this earth well loved. Greta was born in Provo, Utah on February 16, 1938 to Roy K Olsen and Madge Leavitt. She had a beautiful head of red/auburn hair which prompted the nickname "Ginger" from her father, who called her by that name his whole life. She grew up in Orem in the ancestral Olsen home on 800 East with her parents and two brothers, Rex and Gordon. She attended Spencer School and Lincoln High School in Orem Where friendships were cultivated and maintained for over 70 years. In high school she was a good student, was a "flag twirler" and on several activity committees. She was, then and afterwards, always good at organization and getting things done. One of her favorite activities in High School was dating multi-sport athlete Walter Bandley. It makes us smile to imagine those two dancing and laughing together at the "Sock-hop" dances in the 1950's! Following the tragic and untimely death of her father, Greta was a great help to her mother, who had to take a job at the hospital in Provo. Young Greta took over much of the household responsibilities while still in high school, including cooking, washing, housework, and watching after her brothers. After graduating from Lincoln High, Greta moved to Salt Lake City with two of her friends, Karen and Marva, to attend Evans Hairstyling College in anticipation of a career in cosmetology. These two friends were bridal attendants at Greta's wedding later that summer. Greta married Walter Rulon Bandley in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 22, 1957. Her sense of humor is revealed in the following excerpt from her written history, "Nineteen is pretty young to take on the responsibility of marriage. Obviously, we didn't know any better, but our union has been blessed... Kneeling across the altar brought not the expected gaze of spirituality as we looked into each other's eyes, but the giggles instead! We heard not a word, (but) at the appropriate time I suppose we stood and kissed and exchanged rings." Their union was indeed blessed, bringing five children into the world, who all were taught to work hard, be honest, serve others, and be loyal and true to their family. Walt was, and still is, a master wood worker and cabinet builder: his children and many of his grandchildren have learned how to work surrounded by the sound of saws and planers, the smell of glue and sawdust, and the feel of Walt's firm guiding hand if you needed correcting (not to mention a few choice words!) In 1960, Walt and Greta purchased their Orem home in a cul-de-sac neighborhood filled with wonderful people and friends who impacted their lives-and their children's lives-for the very best. Greta dedicated her life to her family, becoming a most accomplished homemaker. Her cooking skills are legendary (her Thanksgiving menu is a treasure to her sons-in-law), her eye for home decorating and art masterful, but mostly it was her unconditional love for her children and grandchildren and the way she made them feel that she will be remembered for. She was so proud of her posterity, and attended the many and varied activities, athletic contests, plays, productions of her children and grandchildren, even in her later years when her health slowed her down. Early in her marriage, Greta worked as a hairdresser/beautician. Later, she worked for many years at ZCMI, in the Men's Clothing Dept. She was always well dressed, and made sure that her children (and sons-in-law) were, too. She was a classy lady, in the truest sense of the word Over the years, Greta developed a passion for family history and genealogy. She was inspired by the spirit of Elijah as she helped unlock many previously unresearched lines of her ancestors. Her work took her to Europe where, in 2009, a 50-year search culminated in her solving the mystery of her great-grandfather's Danish ancestry. Her tireless efforts have resulted in the discovery of hundreds of new names, along with ancestral stories, to take to the temple. She loved the temple, and worked tirelessly to ensure her family would be eternally sealed. She served faithfully in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over the years, including extended periods of time as Relief Society President, Primary President, Young Women's President, and Cub Scout Leader. Greta was grateful for the spiritual lessons she learned from serving. Greta will be missed most deeply by her childhood sweetheart, the love of her life, and eternal companion, Walt. He will miss her rolling eyes and exasperated "Oh, Walt!" after one of his bad jokes or silly behavior. Great was a woman of God who loved her family so much, we all caught a glimpse of what heaven is like when we were with her! Greta is survived by her husband, Walter and her brother Gordon (spouse); her five children, Cindy Tullis (Richard), Michele Davis (Steven), Marci Rickenbach (Bruce), Kate Bandley, (Michael Mann), Shawn Bandley (Nancy); nineteen grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Madge Olsen, her brother, Rex, and her granddaughter Lily Kate Mann. The family would like to thank Dr. Chun Hwang, Dr. Richard Olsen and their staff at CUC and the 5th floor team at UVRMC for the many years of loving care they provided to Greta. She thought the world of you! Family visitation will be held at Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home Friday, November 28 from 6-8 p.m. and again Saturday morning before the service from 8:45-9:45. Funeral service will be held at the Sharon Stake Center, 545 S 800 E Orem Saturday, November 29, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at the Provo City Cemetery.

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