Ruth Olson

Ruth Olson, born June 9, 1941 in Marion, Ohio to Jesse and Kathryn Esquivel, died February 14, 2008 at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston. Ruth obtained both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Ohio State University. In 1967 she accepted a teaching position at Texas Woman's University in Houston and remained there until her retirement. While employed, she earned a Doctorate of Education at the University of Houston.

Ruth married Earl W. Olson in 1972. Being a single child, she especially enjoyed being part of the large Olson family. They retired in 1996 to a home on lake Sam Rayburn where she enjoyed being a member of the Rayburn Bloomers Garden Club, the Rayburn Country Club Auxiliary and the Jasper County Historical Association.

Ruth had numerous medical problems in her retirement, one of which necessitated a kidney transplant in 2006. Unfortunately, her body rejected that transplant in September 2007. After a lengthy and valiant effort, she passed away on Valentine's Day with Earl by her side.

Ruth is survived by her husband and several cousins. She was a lifelong Lutheran and was last a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Jasper until her conversion to Catholicism in 2007.

Funeral services were held at St. Raymond's Catholic Church at Lake Sam Rayburn on Monday, February 18, 2008 with Father Ron Foshage officiating.

Additional services were held at New Sweden Lutheran Church in Manor, TX. on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 with Pastor Hans Lillejord officiating with burial in the Olson Family Plot at the New Sweden Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Kidney Fund, The SPCA, or to either St. Raymond's Catholic Church or New Sweden Lutheran Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.stringerandgriffin.com