Kandice L. Lott Olson passed away on September 9, 2025 leaving a legacy of wisdom, humor, professionalism and dance.
Born on July 31,1946 in Price, Utah, she was the firstborn and only daughter of proud parents Jex Gardner Lott and Marie Durand.
During her early years she applied herself to her studies and became a top honor student. Her gift and passion for dance started at an early age and became her lifelong obsession…appearing in dance reviews and productions throughout her young life.
After graduating from Carbon High School and Stevens-Henager Business College, she fell in love and married Gordon L. Olson on June 5, 1965. They had two children, Michael L. Olson (Providence, Utah) and Richard A. Olson (Bellingham, Washington),
After settling in Price, Gordon continued working for the Denver Rio Grande and Union Pacific Railroad in Helper while Kandice helped her parents at the Hi-Way Market in Price, keeping their books and an occasional shift at the cash register.
Kandice loved traveling the West with her family, taking in the sites and enjoying her time “with the boys.” They spent countless hours on Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge with family and friends, along with family trips to their cabin in Scofield where she enjoyed long walks in the aspens and pines with her dogs. Always ready with her quote. “I never want a dog I can’t pick up!”
Her hobbies included an ever-growing glass collection which decorated her home and most of her garage! Along with a constant search for her ancestors. Her grandparents (Louis and Louise Durand) were immigrants from the San Germane area of Italy. She was always on their trail and sharing her findings with others.
Her passion for dance became her greatest achievement in life as she introduced others to the world of dance. After raising her children, she chose to devote the remainder of her out-of-home efforts to teaching dance.
Her dream began as an assistant instructor with The Repertory Ballet at the College of Eastern Utah. She then moved on to establish her own dance studio, Castle Country Classical Ballet, in Price. Training and instruction were given for all types of dancing, including ballet and point. The art of dance was explained, discussed and mastered in her classes. Dance reviews were the highlight of her students’ accomplishments and became a rewarding event for their families. Grandma GG, Kandice’s Mom and her #1 fan, was always backstage with encouragement and an occasional smile for the dancers. Kandice’s self-set goals and accomplishments were fulfilled as her class sizes and students’ skills grew. Her students became more like friends and continued to visit and contact her long after they left the dance studio. Many became dance instructors themselves and continue to credit their years with Kandice as their motivation to teach.
When Gordon chose to retire, Kandice did the same. They traveled throughout the Western United States and Canada seeing as much as they could before settling down at home.
Kandice spent the next eight years as a caregiver for her mother Marie. After her mother’s passing it was her husband Gordon’s turn to become Kandice’s caregiver. His dedication and faithfulness were never-ending, caring around the clock to make her comfortable and safe for the last years of her life. He was always there, always patient.
Kandice made an impression on everyone she knew and everyone who had the good fortune to know her.
She will be missed…but never forgotten.
Kandice is survived by her husband, Gordon of Price; her children, Michael of Logan, Utah and Richard of Bellingham, Washington; and her brother, Foster J. Lott (Terri) of Price; and nieces and nephews.
Graveside service, Friday, September 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m., Cliffview Cemetery in Price, Utah. The family will receive friends at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street, Price, Utah 84501) from 9:30-10:30 a.m., prior to the graveside service.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and share memories of Kandice online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.