Ruth Ann Olson

She was a strong and beautiful singer, baker, cook, creative decorator/designer of so many things, mom, "Glamma" to her grandkids, sister, aunt, dear friend, and so very much more. She had a strength and tenacity to face anything and everything.

She is survived by daughter's Deanna Awbrey and Ashley Reed, grandkids Kylie Awbrey, Tia Crawford, Braxton Crawford, Scarlett & Reagan Reed, as well as her brother Milford May, first husband and dear friend Rex Reed, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews, and so many more.

She didn't want anyone to mourn her, but to celebrate her. Most of all, she wanted everyone to know she still lives on and "the rose still grows behind the wall..."

This poem, along with the gorgeous roses she grew in her yard, was her parting gift to all she loved that she's happy and healed, just out of our sight, and we'll all see her again soon.

Funeral, celebration of life, and burial services will be held in Bakerfield, MO where she'll find her home right next to her mama. Date and time to be announced soon.

The Rose Still Grows Beyond the Wall

By A. L. Frink

"Near a shady wall a rose once grew,

Budded and blossomed in God's free light,

Watered and fed by morning dew,

Shedding its sweetness day and night.

As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,

Slowly rising to loftier height,

It came to a crevice in the wall,

Through which there shone a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength,

With never a thought of fear or pride.

It followed the light through the crevice's length

And unfolded itself on the other side.

The light, the dew, the broadening view

Were found the same as they were before;

And it lost itself in beauties new,

Breathing its fragrance more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us to grieve,

And make our courage faint and fail?

Nay! Let us faith and hope receive:

The rose still grows beyond the wall.

Scattering fragrance far and wide,

Just as it did in days of yore,

Just as it did on the other side,

Just as it will forevermore."