Alice Angeline Olson

She was born on August 9, 1944, in New Orleans, LA, to the late Ronald Griggs Cotton and Edith Emilie (Jarrell) Cotton.

As a child, Alice loved having her chatty parakeet, Chirp on her shoulder; nurtured numerous cuddly kittens and puppies; and enjoyed catching sparkling beads from Mardi Gras floats.

Alice’s childhood was shaped by many moves, beginning in New Orleans and continuing through St. Louis, Cleveland, and Elizabeth, NJ. In 1958 her family settled in Old Lyme, CT where Alice graduated from Old Lyme High School in 1962. She then attended the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where she met the love of her life, Robert A. Olson (Bob). Following her time at the University of Connecticut, Alice moved to New York City and was employed by Eastern Airlines. Four years after meeting Bob, they married at Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church in Old Lyme, Connecticut, on April 16, 1966. Their relationship grew into a lifelong partnership filled with devotion, companionship, and love. Together, they welcomed two children, Robert Adam in 1973 and Tiffany Angeline in 1980, who became a meaningful part of their shared story.

After their wedding, Alice and Bob traveled the world as she supported his military training and career. During the Persian Gulf War, she demonstrated remarkable strength and leadership by heading the United States Army Reserve 321st Material Management Center Military Family Support Group in El Dorado, which provided care, encouragement, and connection for families navigating the challenges of deployment.

One of Alice’s greatest joys in life was the simple act of serving her family. She was an extraordinary cook, and her kitchen was always filled with delicious aromas, especially during the holidays.

Thanksgiving was her favorite time of year, and her famous oyster dressing was a favorite of everyone lucky enough to try it. It wasn’t just the food that made her cooking so special—it was the love she put into every dish and the care she took to make sure everyone was well fed and happy.

Alice also enjoyed life’s quieter moments. She had a desire to be a lawyer which led to a fondness for true crime shows and could often be found fully engrossed in a mystery, always eager to solve it before the ending. She was also a devoted fan of Jeopardy! and rarely—if ever—missed a question.

She had a deep appreciation for the arts and found great joy in calligraphy, sewing and cross-stitch. She craftly made her children’s Halloween customs. Her skill and patience made crafts truly impressive to watch.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and found comfort and community there throughout her life.

Alice leaves behind her son, Robert Adam Olson and his wife, Ashley, of Conway, AR; her daughter, Tiffany Angeline Olson (Jon Talley) of El Dorado, AR; and her sister, Kate Emilie Richmond and her husband, George Mount Richmond II of Williamsburg, VA; and her nephews, Matthew Mount Richmond, of Seattle, WA, and John Cotton Richmond, of Haymarket, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. Robert A. Olson.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to her caregivers for their compassionate care and support.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in El Dorado, AR at 1:00PM on Monday, May 4, 2026, with Father Charles Chapman and Father Caleb Roberts officiating and under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Interment will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. alongside her late husband , Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” A. Olson.

There will be a reception in the Parish Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Wounded Warriors Project – Donor Care Center, PO Box 758533, Topeka, Kansas 66875-8533 and America’s Vet Dogs, 371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, New York 11787-29776.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com