Beverly S. "Bev" Olson
Salina - Beverly S. "Bev"
Olson, 92, died peacefully in her sleep on October 28, 2021 in
Salina. She was born May 28, 1929 in Newton, Kansas, the daughter of
Ervin J. and Geneva D. Steiner. She was joined in marriage with Dr.
C. L. "Chuck" Olson, on December 29, 1951. Together they
actively served their church and community for over fifty years and
raised a family of four children, twelve grandchildren, and nine
great grandchildren.
Bev grew up on a farm in Harvey County,
graduated from Newton High School, attended Emporia State Teachers
College and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas
with a Bachelor's Degree in Music.
Bev was a member and leader in Salina
Federation of Music Clubs – Treble Clef, Salina Symphony Guild, SAI
Music Fraternity, PEO, and Helianthus. She directed choirs and was
the Director of Music Ministries at the First United Methodist Church
for over 40 years. She taught many aspiring vocal music students and
accompanied them in competitions throughout the state.
Of most importance to her was her role
as mother, wife and grandmother. She made time for family, especially
grandchildren. Among their favorite times together were vacations to
Colorado and Christmas caroling at the homes of friends. The Olsons
were named Kiwanis Kansas Family of Builders in 1974 and Kansas
Federation of Music Club's Family of the Year in 1976.
Chuck preceded Bev in death in 2011.
She is survived by her daughter Nancilee Jones and husband Daniel,
both retired teachers in the Salina Public Schools, and their three
children Ashley and Erik Wisner (daughter Cece) of Lawrence, Bryce of
Lawrence and Emily of Atlanta, Georgia; son, Chuck of Wichita, his
wife, Sarah and their three children, Stephan and his wife Callie of
Roeland Park, Elizabeth Hogan and her husband Ryan (children Lucas
and Cara) of Olathe, and Caroline Kimbrough and her husband Alex
(daughter Ellie) of Rochester, Minnesota; daughter, Maribeth Blunt of
Leawood and her three children, son Colin and wife Erin of Kansas
City, Missouri, daughter Abby Blunt of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and
Hillary York and her husband Spenser (daughter Weston) of Nashville,
Tennessee; and son, Evan and his wife Susan of The Woodlands, Texas,
and their three children, Eliot and his wife Hannah of Houston,
Katherine and her husband Trevor (daughters Sydney and Joey) of
Munich, Germany, and Grace Casey and her husband Dan (children Zion
and Ada Grace) of Houston.
The family would like to express
special appreciation to the Management and Staff of the Presbyterian
Manor of Salina for their compassionate care during her residence
there.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00
pm on Monday November 1, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church
in Salina with Rev. Richard Fitzgerald officiating. Following a
graveside service at Roselawn Cemetery, a reception will be held in
the Fellowship Hall of the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made to memorial funds for student scholarships with First United
Methodist Church or Kansas Wesleyan University Vocal Music
Department. To leave condolences for the family, please visit
www.ryanmortuary.com
Out of respect for the health of the
family and all present, we recommend wearing a mask during the
service. For more information or to leave condolences go to
www.ryanmortuary.com
