Barbara H.W. Olson

She was born in 1935, on Meridian Rd in a house her father built. She was raised in a rural, artistic, and intellectual home. As a youngster, “Ba” and her sister Jean spent summers working on neighbor’s farms, riding horses, skipping rocks on Lake Superior, and traveling with their parents. She graduated from E. Lansing H.S. and attended Eastern Michigan where she earned her teaching credential. She taught English in Detroit and Okemos before attending MSU for her Master’s degree. It’s there she met a new Assistant Professor of Finance from Minnesota and her future husband, Alden Olson.

In 1961 they wed, had two children, Chris and Karen, and remained married for the next 58 years until Alden’s death in 2018. Together they shared a love of the outdoors, enjoying summers at the cottage and winters skiing. They valued education, cheered the Spartans, and had deep University friendships.

Barbara’s independent spirit led her to earn a hot-air balloon pilot license, go to Grateful Dead concerts with Chris, and helicopter skiing in New Zealand with Karen.

Her curious mind always wanted to learn. She read multiple books per week, had a gourmet cooking club, recorded books for the blind, and worked as a docent at the Kresge Art Museum. Ba, Jean, and their mother were all lifelong P.E.O.’s.

Although she remained a Michigander all her life, Barbara felt a calling to the Rocky Mountains. It was there she was happiest. In Colorado, Barbara designed and built her dream home. She and Alden treasured the rugged terrain of Durango and the southwest.

Barbara’s love of art came in all forms, especially painting and sculpture. She collected numerous southwestern artists and enjoyed trips to the Santa Fe Opera with Chris.

Chris and Karen invite you to join them in honoring their parents and telling stories. Sunday, Sept. 17 at 11 am a joint ceremony for Alden and Barbara will be held at Foote Cemetery in Williamston. Following the burial, there will be a reception from 12-2 pm at Zinda’s Restaurant 150 E. Grand River Ave., Williamston.