Lexey Otterstrom

Lexey Otterstrom passed peacefully from mortality in her sleep at home on Monday, August 21, 2017, at the age of 92.  She was laid to rest at Memorial Estates Mountain View Cemetery in Cottonwood Heights following a brief family service, because she insisted there be no funeral.  Emma Lexey Olson was born to Louis Olson and Julia Gregoria Merlo Moncada Olson on October 20, 1924, in Puerto Castilla, Honduras, the second of two children.  Her older brother, Luis, died as an infant in 1923.  She enjoyed living on the beach, swimming in the ocean, riding her bike and watching movies on Saturdays in her little village, which she said was like living at a country club.  She especially enjoyed being with her dad because he always gave in to her demands.  She attended Catholic boarding schools in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Chatawa, Mississippi, until her high school graduation in 1943, when she moved to Los Angeles to work.  There she met Glen W. Myers, a sergeant in the Army Air Force with whom she had corresponded while she was in school.  They were married on Christmas Eve in 1943.  Lexey and Glen had four children: Glen (deceased), David, Christine and John, twelve grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren.  They divorced in 1959.  Lexey later met Ned Otterstrom, and they married in 1969.  They had a good life together and enjoyed boating, fishing, camping and hunting with family and friends.  They also made several trips around the country in their motorhome to vacation and to visit Lexey’s childhood friends in New Orleans.  In 1994, Lexey traveled back to visit relatives in Honduras.  They always had a dog – usually a Pomeranian – and sometimes more than one, and the dogs always traveled with them on their trips.  They also had a garden in the back yard and enjoyed sharing the vegetables they grew.  They especially enjoyed hosting Christmas Eve get-togethers for family and friends, and the menu always consisted of shrimp Creole, ham, au gratin potatoes, and green Jello.  On New Year’s Day Lexey always made ham-hocks and black-eyed peas with cabbage (for good luck).  Ned died in 1996.  Lexey worked at Holy Cross Hospital and Meadow Gold Dairy in Salt Lake City, where she had many wonderful friends.  She was a gifted artist and created dozens of wonderful paintings for her family and friends.  Her favorite subject was a magnolia tree from her youth; a copy of one of her magnolia paintings now adorns a public utility box in South Salt Lake.  Lexey always gave good advice and her life evidenced her determination and good heart.  While the frailties of mortality caught up with her in later years, her spirit was strong and she never gave up the teachings and values of her youth.  She had great faith in her Savior and the promise of resurrection and reuniting with loved-ones.  All who knew her loved her and mourn her passing, and we look forward with confidence to that joyful reunion.  Lexey’s family appreciates the many kindnesses extended by friends, and especially the loving care and assistance of Millcreek Hospice and great friend and caregiver, Pat Riley.
Service Information

Graveside Service
August 24, 2017 at 11:00 AM
Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah