Betty Eileen (Akre) Olson

Betty Eileen Olson passed away peacefully on August 15, 2023 at Paynesville Nursing Home at the age of 87. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Family burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.

Betty Eileen Akre was born on August 28, 1935, at home in Yellow Medicine County, the daughter of George and Anna (Reckadahl) Akre. She graduated from Echo High School. After school she moved to Minneapolis for a short time and worked for Northwestern Bank. On September 22, 1956, Betty was united in marriage to Philip Olson at the Assembly of God Church in Clarkfield. The couple moved to a farm outside Paynesville where they farmed together during their 66 years of marriage; the farm still being owned by family today.

Betty worked as a store clerk in Paynesville at Bolstads, but as her family grew she decided her best place was at home with her four children and helping on the family farm. Later in life she earned her CNA certification and worked for many years before retiring from the Koronis Manor as a Nursing Assistant.  She enjoyed teaching Sunday school at her church, especially helping with Vacation Bible School each summer.  A true "farm girl" her entire life, she loved all animals and was a very accomplished gardener.  She also enjoyed feeding her family any chance she could, her specialties being big Sunday dinners after church and baking delicious treats for her grandchildren's visits.  Her proudest title in life was "Grandma", she was incredibly proud of her grandkids and thrilled when the great grandkids started to arrive.

Betty is survived by her husband, Philip of Paynesville; her children, Valerie (Scott) Tollefson of Spring Lake Park, Allen (Jennifer) Olson of Paynesville, Michael (Laurie) Olson of Colorado, and Phil (Kathy) Olson of Paynesville and their families that include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and brother, George Akre, Jr. of Massachusetts. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Rueben, Peter, and James; and sisters, Rosalie and Ione.

Betty’s family would like to give a special thank you for the wonderful care that Betty received when living at the Paynesville Nursing Home.

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