Doris Kay Olpin

Doris Kay Nelson Olpin passed away in her home in Provo on July 27, 2026, at the age of 92, from Alzheimer’s.

Doris Kay was married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 5, 1957, and is survived by her husband, David Lawrence Olpin, for 68 years.

Her parents are Milton Ephraim Nelson, PhD, and Margaret Manning.

Doris Kay was a world traveler and a graduate of Brigham Young University with a BA in Spanish. She lived in Mexico City for five years before moving to Provo, where she graduated from high school.

Dave and Doris Kay met during a genealogy bus field trip to Salt Lake City organized by BYU. They dated for two years before Dave was called to serve as a missionary in Finland, where he initiated the country’s genealogy and temple work. Meanwhile, Doris traveled around the world to Burma to serve as a secretary for her biochemist father. After returning to BYU, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and got married—all in the same week.

She was a keen writer, grammarian, and artistically talented individual. For 30 years, she worked as the Administrative Assistant at the Provo City Library, supporting three different directors. Her love for books was evident in the fact that she read over 3,500 books. She never went to bed without reading, and she hosted a home book club for her friends for over 30 years.

She joyfully served as a Cub Scout leader and held various leadership positions in her ward and stake. Additionally, she was the Relief Society president and served as the "sister bishop" in a BYU student ward, the Missionary Training Center (MTC), and the Utah State Hospital. Her hallmark was her warm and loving hugs.

She had a deep love of music, beautifully played the piano, and served as a music leader in a stake choir for over 30 years.

She was preceded in death by her first son, Steven Lawrence Olpin.

Doris Kay is survived by her three children: Michael Nelson Olpin, Scott David Olpin, and Glen Milton Olpin. She also has six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Viewing will take place in Provo at the Bonneville 12th Ward Chapel, located at 715 Utah Avenue, at 10:00 am.

Graveside services will be held on August 11th at 11:00 am at the Provo Cemetery, Southwest shelter, 610 S State Street, SW entrance.

A family luncheon will be held at the ward following the services.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.