Ila Deen Olson

Ila Deen Olson, beloved matriarch of a large and loving family, passed away peacefully at the Asbury Methodist Village (AMV) in Gaithersburg, Maryland, at the age of 103. She is predeceased by her first husband, Dan Ross (2000), second husband, Richard Olson (2015), and brothers James Dunn (2015), Richard Dunn (2024), and Hugh Dunn (2024). Survivors include her brother Kenneth Dunn, sons Douglas Ross (Jerilynn Radcliffe), Keith Ross (Angie), Kenneth Ross (Suzan), Alan Ross (Camille), and Glen Ross (Patricia Shea), daughter Elizabeth Ross Wilhelm (Timothy), and stepsons Peter Olson (Roxy) and Richard Olson. She will also be greatly missed by her 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 9 step-great- grandchildren, and many relatives and friends.

Ila Deen was born and raised on a farm in Franklin, Indiana, the oldest child of Glen Dunn and Norris (Kerlin) Dunn. Her family was active in the Whiteland Methodist Church and were active Franklin community members. The family was featured in the Life magazine article “A Small Town’s Saturday Night” (December 2, 1940). She graduated from Franklin College in 1944 and was married in 1945.

She raised her family in Indiana (West Lafayette), New York (Highland Falls, Cornwall-on-Hudson, Wappingers Falls, and Rhinebeck), and Maryland (Rockville and Bethesda). With a full-time job raising 6 children she also worked part time in the Walt Whitman High School cafeteria to help support the family in the 1970s and 80s. Her work ethic was unparalleled, setting a remarkable example for her children.

Ila Deen and Dan Ross divorced in 1984. She married Richard Olson in August 1993. They lived in Bethesda, Maryland, until 1999 when they moved to the AMV Wallace Building, where they were among the original residents. She and Richard were active residents, walking around the lake every day, exercising in the fitness center, and sharing meals with their fellow residents.

Ila Deen always created community wherever she went, connecting with neighbors and fellow congregants at Grace United Methodist Church in Gaithersburg and keeping up with her large family. When her grandchildren were young, she would often babysit and take them on outings. She was an avid reader and tremendous correspondent, regularly keeping in touch with dozens of people by mail, acknowledging every birthday with a card and hand-written note.

Throughout her long life, she made a point of helping people in any way she could, donating to dozens of charities each year, working for a respite care organization, volunteering at Grace UMC to make food for unhoused people, and volunteering at a gift shop on AMV campus which raised money for the Asbury Benevolent Fund. She always looked for ways to be of service to others. She was an amazing, giving person and always humble.

When her health declined, Ila Deen moved to the Kindley assisted care building on the AMV campus in 2024 and finally to the Wilson Health Care Center later that year. Even as her physical abilities became limited, she still read and wrote as much as she could. At the age of 102 she sent over 70 Christmas cards, most with hand-written notes. She appreciated the many, many visitors and cards that she received, especially in her last year. She will be greatly missed, but will remain a positive presence in the lives of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to programs such as Gaithersburg HELP, Manna Food Montgomery County, or World Central Kitchen.

A memorial service will be announced in early 2026.