Ruth Olson

Ruth Marie McKee Olson, 94, passed peacefully on June 15, 2013. Ruth was born October 25, 1918, in Great Falls, Montana. Graduated from the University of Montana in 1940, with a degree in Education and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She married Eugene Olson in 1940 and they shared 52 years together before his passing in 1992. She is survived by her brother Glenn McKee, her children, Karen (Mark) Calleri, Loretta Peak, Genanne (James) Hoene, Robert (Suzanne Lyons) Olson, Denise (Arquimedes Fraijo) Foley, nieces, nephews, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Ruth taught elementary school for over 40 years in both California and Arizona. She retired from Scottsdale's Paiute School in 1984. She was most proud of her pilot's license and was a member of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots. One of her favorite memories was flying from Phoenix to the Arctic Circle in a single engine plane when she was 80 years old. Ruth leaves us with fond memories of her many unique and determined escapades! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Barton House, Banner Hospice, St. Vincent de Paul, or St. Marys Food Bank. Memorial Services will be held at St. Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church, 1030 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, on Thursday, June 27, 2013 with a Rosary at 9:30 AM followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00AM.