Dorothy Mae Olson

Dorothy Mae Olson was born in Bend, Oregon to William and Etta Mitchell. The family moved to McCall, Idaho, where Dorothy spent her youth climbing trees and going on adventures. She had a difficult childhood starting with her father’s passing when Dorothy was twelve followed by her mother’s passing at the age of sixteen. After her mother passed, Dorothy took on the role of caregiver for her younger siblings.

On January 9, 1948, Dorothy married Elwyn Gail Behnke. Together the two had six sons. The family spent nine happy years together; going camping and fishing and just generally spending time together. Sadly, Elwyn passed away tragically in an airplane crash in 1957. Through her grief and stress, Dorothy took care of her boys all by herself. She made sure everyone was fed well through her excellent cooking and she even continued to take the kids on trips. These trips would often include her kids’ friends as well, leaving her in charge of twelve kids to take care of at once!

In 1965 she married Dave Kerbs. They had a son together, Michael. As that marriage came to an end she decided to find a job. When the employment councilor asked about her job experience she said she didn’t have any. He laughed. She took a job as a housekeeper at St Vincent Hospital. In the beginning she had an early bus ride to work but saved her money and soon had a new car. She was promoted to supervisor of the female staff and later took charge of the male staff as well, something she was quite good at having raised seven sons.

In 1978 she married Harry Olson who also worked at St Vincent. He was a little bit older than her and she was able to retire at 55. Together they traveled to almost every state and a few foreign countries as well. They loved learning and attended many Elder Hostels. She took up genealogy and was able to learn of and connect with many hitherto unknown aunts, uncles and cousins. She enjoyed being an active member of the Sherwood Rebecca’s Lodge.

After Harry’s passing in 2009 she moved to McMinnville to be closer to family. She took up watercolor painting and has left us some wonderful pieces of art. She created a book of her favorite recipes which is now part of our family’s legacy. She was a capable, adventurous and wonderful cook. Her foodiness sometimes made her critical of institutional food. She loved the soup at Parkland.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, one son, and two spouses. She is survived by one brother, six sons and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hearts With A Mission. www.heartswithamission.org