[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF SHEILA OLSEN OF IDAHO FALLS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 20, 2018

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and celebration 
for a lady who spent her days on this Earth, serving her community.
  Sheila Olsen, of Idaho Falls, passed away on Sunday, and she will be 
deeply missed. She was a patriot of this nation who made life better 
for those in my district, the state of Idaho, and this nation. Sheila 
was an inspiration to many in her community. Many looked to her as an 
example of enduring the difficulties of life, with optimism and joy. 
She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1967 when she was pregnant 
with her fifth child. Although this provided many challenges to her 
health, she only increased in her desire to make this world a better 
place.
  Sheila had a deep love for this nation. Her career in politics 
included a longtime member of the Idaho Republican Women, Republican 
Precinct committeewoman (30 years) and vice-chair and member of the 
Idaho Region VII Republican Party. She cultivated a keen understanding 
of what constituents needed in candidates, and how a candidate could 
fulfill such needs. Because of this knowledge, she played key roles in 
the campaigns of leaders such as; U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (1992, 2016), 
Governor Butch Otter (1994, 2006, 2010 and 2014), Superintendent Tom 
Luna (2006), U.S. Senator Larry Craig (1990), Governor Phil Batt (2002) 
and several others. She was currently serving as the Bonneville County 
coordinator for the Brad Little for Governor campaign.
  For more than 20 years, Sheila held an annual Fourth of July flag-
raising ceremony using the flagpole in her front lawn. Through the 
years this event attracted friends and family, local and statewide 
elected officials, and many others who wished to pay tribute to those 
who had given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
  Sheila had the ability to build bridges of friendship and engage in 
constructive discussions, with those of differing beliefs. Many times, 
Sheila united members of different faiths, to join together in 
humanitarian projects. She also served on the Executive Committee of 
the Greater Idaho Falls Public Affairs Council as a liaison between the 
media and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was 
frequently asked and entrusted to provide her insight and views to the 
media with regard to sensitive issues involving religion, faith and 
politics.
  She was the recipient of numerous awards, including the President's 
Award, Community Human Rights Activist by Lockheed Martin, Service to 
Family Award by Brigham Young University, Exemplary Citizen by the 
Rotary Club, Woman of Distinction by Zonta, Who's Who in American 
Politics and National MS Mother of the Year by President George H.W. 
Bush.
  Despite all of the awards and accolades that have come her way, 
Sheila will be remembered for the personal relationship that she built 
with anyone she came in contact with. Our nation is a better place 
because of Sheila Olsen.
  Mr. Speaker, I send my condolences to Sheila's family and express my 
appreciation for the exceptional life she lived and the service she 
rendered in Idaho. On behalf of a grateful state, I honor her legacy.

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