Shirleen “Ellen” Olson – Feb. 6, 2021

Shirleen “Ellen” Olson, 80, of Jamestown, ND died on February 6, 2021 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Ellen was born on April 23, 1940 in Devils Lake, ND to Ernest and Josephine Nelson. After graduating from Jamestown High School in 1958, Ellen attended Valley City Teacher’s College. She taught for two years in a one room schoolhouse in Deer Lake Township. It is there that she met her husband, Darald. He would buzz over the school with his airplane to get Ellen’s attention. They were married on October 15, 1961 at Pingree Lutheran Church. The couple had three children and raised them on the family farm. During this time, Ellen taught numerous Sunday school classes and organized Ladies Aid cookbook groups. Ellen and Darald also served as Stephen Ministers at Trinity Lutheran Church. She contributed to the family farming business by keeping books, helping to move vehicles, and providing many wonderful meals for a small group or for a full table of harvesting help. After many years of living in the country, they moved into Jamestown in 2014.

Ellen greatly enjoyed the springtime, angels, sitting by a lake, crossword puzzles, needlepoint, reading, gardening, and spending time with family. Some of her favorite memories were of trips to Medora, Chanhassen Dinner Theaters, and Hawaii with dear friends and family. Ellen was always committed to everyone else’s happiness. Her deep love for family made her the ideal wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be deeply missed.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Darald, Jamestown; daughter, Beth Ferguson (Mark) of Fargo; son, Steve Olson of Valley View, Texas and son, Owen (Maria) Olson of Jamestown; grandchildren, Kasey and Ryan Ferguson and Nicholas and Andrew Olson. Ellen is also survived by sister, Joan (Frank) Johnson, Bismarck, ND; brother, Ernest (Glenda) Nelson Jr., Hutchison, MN; sister, Patricia (Jerry) Wallace, Kennewick, WA; sister, Mary (Frank) Hum, Herndon, VA; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown, with Pastor Susan Haukaas officiating.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.

Burial: Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown.

Arrangements are in the care of Williams Funeral Home, Jamestown.