Shirley Ann Olson

Shirley Ann (Alexander) Olson, 91, of Devils Lake, ND, formerly of Minnewaukan, ND passed away July 2, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake. The funeral service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Devils Lake on Saturday July 14, 2018, with visitation starting at 10:00 am, and the service to follow at 11:00. Shirley was born on November 23, 1926 in Irvine Township in Benson County, North Dakota, and was one of ten children born to Thomas and Alice (Ritteman) Alexander. She attended rural schools and graduated from Leeds High School in 1945. She then briefly attended Devils Lake Community College. Shirley was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and taught Sunday School at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Minnewaukan, ND. Shirley married Morris Olson on June 1, 1946 in Wolf Point, Montana, and had three wonderful children – Robert, Barbara, and Anna. Together, they made their home on the Olson family farm South of Knox, ND. The family moved several times, finally settling in Minnewaukan, ND. Shirley was a homemaker until her children were old enough to attend school. She then went to work for the Benson County Superintendent of Schools, and the Benson County Social Services Board. She retired due to poor health in 1968, and Morris passed away on October 21, 1969. Shirley became a resident at the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake, ND in the early 70’s and lived there until her death. She was a very active member of the Resident’s Council and participated in many of the activities and events held there. Shirley always enjoyed reading, drawing, going to coffee, and visiting with family and friends. She will truly be missed by everyone who knew her. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Alice (Ritteman) Alexander; her husband, Morris Olson; son, Robert Olson; daughter, Anna (Olson) Ripplinger; brothers, Thomas, John, Marvin, and Kenneth Alexander; sisters, Naomi Lauinger, Margaret Zeigler, and Alice Schneider; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Marlin Olson, Leonard Zeigler, and Norma Alexander; nieces and nephews, Kelvin Zeigler, Sherry Bennes, Cyndee Hansen, Cordell Streifel, Kerry Streifel, and Tom Alexander. Shirley is survived by her daughter, Barbara (David) Ambers of Minnewaukan, ND; sisters, Ruth Alexander and Donna Streifel, both of Devils Lake, ND; granddaughters, Deb (Brad) Eback of Devils Lake, ND, Jennifer (Myron) Halvorson of Devils Lake, ND, and Errin Ambers of Minnewaukan, ND; great-grandchildren, Marissa, Emily, and Landen Eback, and Preston and Christian Halvorson; son-in-law, James Ripplinger of Devils Lake, ND; brothers-in-law, Ed Lauinger of Devils Lake, ND and Tony Schneider of Minot, ND; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Interment will be on July 14, 2018 at Minnewaukan Cemetery following the service at Peace Lutheran Church in Devils Lake, ND. The Gilbertson’s Funeral Home of Devils Lake are in charge of the arrangements.