RUTH LILLIAN OLSON

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RUTH LILLIAN OLSON (nee IRELAND) Peacefully on June 20, 2017 at the Ashern Personal Care Home, Ruth Lillian Olson passed away. She is survived by her children, Melvin, Debbie (Pat) and Brenda (Jon); and her grandsons, Erik and Teague. She was predeceased by her husband Lennart; her brothers, Harvey and Ted; and her sisters-in-law, Mary and Edith. She also leaves behind her sister-in law Phyllis, as well as many nieces and nephews in the Faulkner area and across western Canada. Mom was born on January 27, 1937 in Roaring River, Manitoba to Ashley and Dolly Ireland. She grew up in the Swan River Valley, and moved to New Scotland, near Moosehorn, in 1956 to take a teaching job in a one room school. She met our dad that year. They married in 1957, and farmed together for the next 20 years in the Faulkner area. In 1977, they built their new house in Ashern, and lived there until her move to the First Choice Manor. Mom lived her life with kindness, love, humility, and especially with faith. She was a hard worker and a devoted member of her church and her community. Her home was always open to friends and family, and strangers, and stray cats. And there was always plenty to eat always. Her camera was never far away, and she's left us with many, many photos and good memories. She loved children and taught Sunday school for many years. She was so happy to see her extended family grow on both the Ireland and the Olson sides. But she was thrilled to have grandchildren of her own, and enjoyed showing them her garden and her bird feeders, and singing and reading to them when they were tiny. She will always be remembered as "Grandma who picks peas". She was a gentle person, who loved to laugh, and surprised us by being a wonderful public speaker; warm, articulate, and funny. She was an avid reader and letter-writer, and a devoted member of her Bible study groups. She never missed a band concert or a high school graduation, or spoken poetry at the little school. She was a staunch patriot, who would not put up with a tattered Canadian flag. But she also remembered her English roots and always followed the Royal Family. She travelled to England in 1999, and so enjoyed the beautiful gardens. We can't begin to name all the dear friends she leaves behind, or the ones who she had already lost. We are so grateful for the care she received in her final years, from the Home Care workers and coordinators, and from the Personal Care Home staff and doctors. Your kindnesses mean more than we can say. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Ashern Gospel Chapel with Mr. Ruben Goertzen officiating. Interment to follow at the Ashern United Church Cemetery. If friends so desire, Mom would appreciate a donation to a charity of your own choice. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern Lundar 1-204-768-2072 1-866-323-3593

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 24, 2017