Olive Marie Johnson, age 89 of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away Friday, June 12, 2015 at Rolling Hills Care Center in Catoosa, OK. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17 at Redwood Valley Funeral Home. Visitation is one hour prior to services. Burial is in the Redwood Falls Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
Olive Marie Johnson was born May 22, 1926 in Yankton County, South Dakota to Bernt and Anna Ellefson. She was a telephone operator, homemaker, business manager of Johnson Dairy Supply, and hostess at Jackpot Junction. Olive also was a product demonstrator at HyVee, Walmart, Sam’s, and Jewel Grocery. She was also a Reliv distributor. Olive was a mother and grandmother to all.
Olive is survived by her son Byron (Angie) Johnson; daughters Barbara Albrecht and Susan (Jon) Davidson; grandchildren: Stacey Daerda, Justin Johnson, Nicole Kovac, Ashley Davidson, Travis Davidson, and Joshua Albrecht; great-grandchildren: Ariel Johnson, Kyle Kovac, Garrett Daerda, and Jillian, Elliana, and Nolan Kovac; and sisters Judy Johnson and Lois Carlson. She is preceded in death by her parents Bernt and Anna Ellefson, husband Vernon E. Johnson, sisters Helen Haugen and Clarice Fedderson, and brother Arvin Ellefson.
Very sorry to learn of cousin Olive’s passing. She has (and will always) hold a special place in my heart. You see, Olive and I shared the same birthday. The story goes that my sister, LeVila, was supposed to get a baby sibling (in those days before ultrasounds) on her birthday (May 21), but as it turned out, I was a little late and she got a brindle calf instead. Uncle Bernt named Olive and Le Vila the Dustpan Twins for reasons only my favorite Uncle knew. My father, Arthur C. Olson, and Bernt were best of buddies, and always greeted each other with the fictitious names of Tom and Fred. I believe my father was Tom. They are the epitome of “opposites attract.” My father was the somber one; Uncle Bernt was the forever jovial one.
Anyway, I remember sharing special birthdays with Olive. The last was when Olive and sis LeVila turned 80. We had a special gathering for them in Sioux Falls. What a wonderful event it was! LeVila passed away last Nov. 26. Blessed be the memories of the Dustpan Twins. Odds are that they are now remembering the good ol’ days together. What a wonderful heritage!
Dear Friends we are so sorry to hear of Olive’s passing. At times like these, there are no words to ease your pain. Keep the memories flowing and the hugs giving to all who extend a helpful hand at this time. Know you all are in our thoughts and prayers now and in the times ahead. God Bless you and yours.
Steve and Deb Lyon
Redwood Falls
Barb, Susie & Byron-Sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. She was a lovely lady. You have my deepest sympathy. Remember to good time.
Dear Barb, Sue & Byron,
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing – keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers!
Bryon, Barb and Susan-You have our deepest sympathies. Olive was a wonderful person and such a dear friend of Mom’s. Our prayers are with all of you.
Dear Barb, Sue. and family, Moms are so special …..always remember those memories of your dear mother. She knew you loved her because of all the special care and attention you have her. God bless. Sondra
Just a short note to say how sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Truly a sweet and wonderful lady. God bless you all.
I was sadden to learn of your mother’s passing. She was such a wonderful person, so sweet and kind. I have great memories of both your mom and dad as they both were such good people and good friends to my parents, Carl and Lucy, and with our family. May your memories help you through this difficult time. Take care.
Ann Schiller (formerly Ann Peterson, Belview)
My condolences to the family on your mother’s passing. I remember her as a kind person who was always nice to me. Sincerely, Steve Eskeldson