Tracy Otteson

Pamela Tracy VanderLinden Otteson passed away on December 8, 2025, at Monument Health Care. She was 77 years old.

Tracy was born on January 5, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ruth Naomi Van Seters and Arthur VanderLinden. She married Gregg D. Otteson on March 15, 1971, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Gregg and Tracy built their first home in Cottonwood Heights in the mid '70s. Gregg called it a solid "starter home." They never left. It was a home filled with noise, laughter, confusion at times, six daughters, two dogs, and lots of love. Tracy was surrounded by good neighbors who genuinely cared about her and continued to visit her even after she was moved to a care facility after a series of strokes.

Tracy attended Olympus High School and graduated in 1966. Many years later, Tracy attended Hairitage College of Beauty. While working in the student salon, she befriended many patrons who would follow her to her in-home salon. As such, her salon was filled constantly with clients who came to her on a weekly basis. These friendships helped her through her life and became even more important to her after the death of her eternal companion Gregg and were instrumental in helping her navigate life after this loss.

Tracy was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. She served the Savior with her whole heart as the ward chorister, a Primary worker, a Young Women leader, and a missionary in the addiction recovery program for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her love for her family was second only to her love of the Savior and his gospel. With unwavering love, she served her husband, children, mother (Grandma Ruth), brothers & sisters, in-laws, friends, and neighbors. Tracy welcomed all those who needed a safe place into her home. She had an incredible ability to make people feel loved and cared for. Her love for the Savior never wavered and her complete trust in Him guided her life.

Tracy was a talented person in many ways. She was an extraordinary seamstress. Tracy’s talent with needle and thread brought beauty into everyday life. She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She and Gregg loved the ward choir and were members for many years. She used her skills as a hairdresser and doing nails to help others look and feel their best. She also delighted in simple pleasures—from trips to Bear Lake and raspberry shakes to family dinners, and especially trips to Walmart. She had the ability to chat with every cashier as if they were a close, personal friend.

Tracy is lovingly remembered by her daughters: Megin (Joshua) Hoecherl, Sarah (Brian) Linton, Sharlotte (Ian Johnson) Otteson, Dauci Otteson, and Jocalyn (JT) Tate. She leaves behind twelve grandchildren and three great grandsons who brought immense joy to her life.

She is also survived by her sisters Melanie Fox, Joanie Herridge, and Steffanie Staples. Tracy now joyously reunites with those who preceded her in death: her beloved husband Gregg; daughter Gerri Allen; her parents; brothers Scott A. VanderLinden, Arthur VanderLinden Jr., William G. VanderLinden; sister Christine VanderLinden; and her beloved in-laws.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, at 11:00 am at the LDS meeting house located at 1355 East 7200 South, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 19 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the LDS meeting house located at 1355 East 7200 South, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121 and the day of the service from 10:00-10:45 am. Interment at Elysian Burial Gardens.

The family wishes to thank True North Hospice (especially Renee and Laura) for the tender way they took care of the Tracy Lady, the staff at City Creek Post Acute who became friends and loved Mom for nearly 4 years, the staff at Monument Health who helped Mom in her final weeks, the Cannons for their loving help and guidance, and Harold Larsen at Elysian Burial Gardens for his sweet friendship and generosity.