Wanda Olson

Wanda Olson of White River, South Dakota, died on Monday, August 12, 2019 at the Kadoka Care Center at the age of 86.
Wanda Mary (Barry) Olson was born Thursday, June 29, 1933 at the Barry home in Rosebud, South Dakota to Orville and Laura (Salmon) Barry.  She was born fifteen minutes after her twin brother, Wayne.  Wanda and Wayne joined an older brother Jerry.
    Her childhood consisted of many hours outdoors enjoying adventures with her brothers and neighboring families.  When it was time for school, she attended and graduated from Todd County High School, Mission, South Dakota.
Her parents then moved from Mission to Valentine and owned and operated a filling station. Following graduation, she worked as an assistant in a dental office in Valentine, NE.  It was at a dance in Mission where she met her future husband, Russell.
    Wanda was united in marriage to Russell Olson on September 26, 1954.  On September 9, 1957, they welcomed their first son, David to the family.  A second son, Cliff, joined the family on December 11, 1959.  Together, they ranched and farmed north of White River raising their two sons.  During this time, she also worked at the ASCS office, Mellette County News and various other jobs.  
Wanda had an interest in politics and it led her to become the Republican Chairman for the area where she met and supported many interesting candidates including Senator Larry Pressler, Governor George Mickelson, President George and Barbara Bush, and present Senator John Thune.  She enjoyed organizing the Republican dinner during the Frontier Days weekend in White River.
She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and United Methodist Church representing the local churches at the conferences and conventions.  Another favorite was celebrating all the holidays, especially Halloween where she was known for dressing up and decorating.
    Wanda was an active mother following her sons through all their sports and other functions, and was a typical grandmother cheering on her grandkids in all their endeavors.  She also enjoyed entertaining and socializing with family and friends.
    Wanda is survived by her son Cliff (Kim) Olson of White River; three grandsons Austin and Wyatt Olson of White River, and Jason (Heather) Olson of Rockford, IL; and three great grand-children, Jeremiah, Brayden and Madison Olson.  
    She is preceded in death by her husband, Russell Olson; one son, David Olson; her parents; and her two brothers, Wayne and Jerry Barry.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. (CDT) on Saturday, August 31, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo.
Interment will follow at the White River Cemetery.
A full obituary will run in next week's paper.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.