Our sweet mother, Ruth Russell Olson, sadly passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the age of ninety-eight, after a life well-lived. She was born on July 6, 1925, in Hinsdale, IL to Samuel and Esther Russell, along with sisters Virginia (Dorn) (deceased) and Rosemary (Bischoff) of Denver, CO. Ruth loved family life and gave her love freely to her husband of 66 years, Oscar W. Olson, Jr. (who died in 2013); her children John Olson (Nickla), Jane Magaziner (Stephen), Nancy Walters (Jim), and Ben Olson (Lynn); ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. She died at the Azalea Trace Retirement Community, Pensacola, FL, where she lived and was loved by many for 27 years. She had a profound impact on our lives.

Ruth is remembered for her cheerful, encouraging presence, always greeting others with a smile and a friendly hello. She was well-suited to the nursing profession that she trained for (though never entered, in exchange for raising the family). She had a deep love for God, and mirrored Jesus Christ in the way she lived her life. She and Oscar were members of Christ Church in downtown Pensacola and will now share a space in the Columbarium there.

Dancing and cooking were two of Ruth's loves. She encouraged all of us children to stand tall and take care of ourselves. Following the example of her mother (who was a nutritionist in World War I) she put healthy food on the table. And, she made sure there was Angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream for any special occasion. Above all, and to the end, she loved ice cream.

Mom was a member of The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, but she was prouder of her membership in the Daughters of the King (Christ Church). One of her favorite activities involved helping "old people". Dad sometimes wished that she would spend less time with "them", and then he got old. And then, she got old, and we have been proud to help her "as an old person"; she was without question the best mom ever. Our loss, Heavens gain!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Azalea Trace Auditorium, 10100 Hillview Drive, Pensacola, FL, 32514.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 18 W. Wright St., Pensacola, FL.