Marla was the third of seven children. At the age of three, she moved with her family to Ogden, Utah, where she was raised and built a life rooted in faith, family, and community. From a young age, Marla had a natural ability to make friends. She was outgoing and genuinely enjoyed meeting new people, forming meaningful connections wherever she went. Warm, friendly, and engaging, she had a special way of making others feel seen and valued. Marla maintained many of her childhood friendships throughout her life, as these relationships meant a great deal to her. She especially enjoyed playing pickleball with her lifelong friends and going on girls’ trips. Marla had a way of lighting up a room, and people were naturally drawn to her presence.

Marla attended T.O. Smith Elementary, Mt. Ogden Jr. High, and North Ogden Jr. High before continuing on to Weber High School, where she proudly participated on the drill team. From a young age, she developed a deep love for music–especially the piano–and spent countless hours refining her talent. Music remained a constant throughout her life, bringing joy not only to her but to those around her. She shared this gift by accompanying many choirs over the years and devoted eight years as a choir director and pianist at North Ogden Elementary. Marla also taught piano, working with many students throughout the years.

After graduating from high school, Marla attended Weber State University, where she met David Bailey. They were married on September 2, 1976, and together spent 17 years raising five children. Marla loved being a stay-at-home mother and found deep purpose and joy in raising her children. It was her most cherished role, and she devoted herself fully to their care and happiness.

As a single mother of five, Marla was determined to continue her education in order to provide for her family and build a meaningful career. She attended Utah State University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech-language pathology. She later began her career at North Ogden Elementary as a speech and language specialist, where she served for 25 years. Marla was dedicated to her students and loved being an educator, making a lasting impact on countless children and their families.

Marla met her sweetheart, Bruce Olsen, in 2018, and they were married on October 12 of that year. They shared seven wonderful years together, enjoying time spent remodeling their home, working on projects side by side, and taking road trips. Their love was later sealed for time and all eternity in the Ogden Temple on December 5, 2025.

Marla was a devoted and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served diligently in many callings. She served as a Primary president, Primary teacher, organist, and choir pianist, touching many lives through her kindness, service, and quiet dedication. She had a strong and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ and relied on her Savior as her greatest source of strength.

Marla found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including reading, gardening, attending concerts and movies, camping, and spending time at her cabin. She had a special gift for making everything around her beautiful, from her home to her yard. Above all, Marla cherished her family. Gatherings, holidays, and treasured traditions were at the heart of her life.

Marla is survived by her husband, Bruce Olsen; her five children, Brandon Jay Bailey (Chricia), Melissa Marie Chertudi (Nik), Kaitlan Lyn Toole (Nathaniel), Adam David Bailey, and Brigham Arthur Bailey (Megan); her stepchildren, Tiffany Sodenkamp (Jess), Candice Augustine (Jarrod), Ryan Olsen (Summer), Katie Cassity (Chandler), Kaylee Olsy (Ridge), Linda Myers (Matt), and Kacey Dewight; her siblings, Edward K. Denney (Nancy), Collete Jensen (Kevin), Martin Denney (Karen), Laura Tabor (Dave), Steven Denney (Valerie), and Julie Thornton (Brad); as well as 35 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Marla will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love of music, and her deep devotion to her family. She had a gentle spirit and a generous heart, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, service, and compassion.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah 84404.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the LDS chapel located at 900 E 2850 North, North Ogden, Utah 84414. An additional viewing will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the same location.

We invite you to share your memories and photos of Marla on her memorial page, at www.myers-mortuary.com, as we celebrate the life of this remarkable woman who brought light, love, and joy into our lives.

Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary in Ogden.