Wilma Mae Oliver Hanson returned to the arms of her Heavenly Father on October 13, 2016 at age 89, in her home in Price. She was born May 1, 1927 to William A. Oliver and Ethel Winnifred Parker in Provo, Utah. They moved around often during her childhood. Finally, the family found a permanent residence in Price where Wilma graduated from Carbon High School. This vivacious redhead was a crowned an attendant for the Carbon County Centennial Celebration in 1947.
She married Harold Mark Hanson in the Manti Temple on Feb. 20, 1948. Mark and Wilma were inseparable and loved to work and play together. Ever the supportive wife, Wilma was an active part of the Fireman’s Auxiliary, and served as the Utah state president. Mark and Wilma loved square dancing and traveling together. Wilma was a talented seamstress and lovingly created beautiful clothes, especially for her children and grandchildren. She and Mark spent their lives serving their family, church and community. Grandchildren were a constant fixture in their home. They made it a point to have “open lunch” for anyone in the family who could come.
Wilma enjoyed serving in many callings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She especially loved serving in the Primary with the children. She and Mark served three missions as a senior couple in the Charlotte, North Carolina Mission, the Manila, Philippines Temple and the Manti Temple. She spent many hours singing in a trio at local church and community events.
Chocolate, sweets and goodies were an essential part of Wilma’s life. She made delectable homemade lemon meringue pies, cakes and divinity often. When a family member went on a trip, she always wanted a report when they came home by asking, “What did you eat?”
She will be remembered and honored by her children, Dennis (Sandra) of Price; Evan (Holly) Salt Lake City; Gayla (Jon) Pressett, Price; Annette Leonard, Salt Lake City, 12 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, in-laws Nolan (Joy) Hanson and Alice (Bill) Cowan of Salt Lake.
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, her siblings and their spouses June (Joseph) Amberboy, Pearl (Calvin) Payne, Sheldon (LaRue) and Glen (Sherry) Oliver, son-in-law Steven Leonard, grandson Derrick Pressett and Mark’s brother Dorr (Elizabeth) Hanson.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 15, 2016 at noon at the Price North Stake Center (449 North 100 East) Price. There will be a viewing from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. She will be buried in the Price City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Wilma online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net