302 S. Walnut Street Sherman, TX 75090 | Map It | 903.893.1171

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Josephine Elaine Russell Olson

01/04/1936 - 11/20/2024

Text:

Obituary For Josephine Elaine Russell Olson

Elaine was born on January 4, 1936, in McKinney, Texas, to Clarence and Billie Barrett Russell and grew up in Sherman graduating from Sherman High School – Class of 1954. She then went on to Austin College and graduated with a BA in Education, followed by an MA in Teaching.

In 1959, Elaine embarked on a teaching career that lasted for thirty-five years, two years with Dallas ISD followed by thirty-three years with the Sherman Independent School District. She loved every second of her chosen career and each child that walked into her classroom. Elaine has and continues to have a lasting impact on all of her students by loving each and every one as if they were her own.

On June 11, 1960, Elaine married Arthur Olson of Erie, PA, at the First United Methodist Church in Sherman, Texas. It was a union that lasted 64 plus years and produced two sons, Russell Olson and George Olson. Elaine was an active and lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church of Sherman and sang for 71 years in the Chancel Choir, the Handbell Choir and the Methodist Women. She was an active member of Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and Delta Kappa Gamma Teaching Society. She was also President of the Sherman High Ex-Student Association, The Sherman Historical Society, and volunteered with the Legacy Program of Grayson County, Home Hospice, Sherman Great Days of Service where she made blankets and baby items for newborn children and was a Cub Scout Den mother for many years while her sons were young. One of her many hobbies was making quilts and was a member of the Friendship Methodist Quilting group.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Harry Russell, and brother Clarence “Randy” Russell.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Arthur Olson, son Russell Olson and wife Alexandra of Rockwall, Texas, son George Olson and wife Sandra of Sherman, Texas, and brother George Ray Russell. She was a devoted grandmother to three grandchildren, Brittany Pickens and husband Wes, Karlie Stewart and husband Corey, and William Olson and wife Carly, as well as great grandchildren, Kaliana, Alyssa, and Wyatt Pickens, Jack Henry Stewart, and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Elaine will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Sherman, at 10:00 AM. Rev. Joe Ed Goolsby and Rev. Denice Peckham will officiate. Interment will follow the service at West Hill Cemetery in the Memorial Park Section. The family will greet friends on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Dannel Funeral Home.

You may sign the online guestbook at www.Dannelfuneralhome.com.

Services

27 Nov

Celebration of Life

10:00 AM

First United Methodist Church 401 N Elm Street Sherman, TX 75090 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 12/12/2024

    Melissa Goodman

    Russell and George and your families- I cherish every moment I spent with your parents, and you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Missy

  • 12/04/2024

    Vickie Mezzacappa

    My son (Dillon Mezzacappa) was in Mrs. Olson's kindergarten class 1993/94. Her mission was to teach him how to successfully navigate the world. There are so many stories that we still remember today. Thank you for sharing her with us, a true blessing from God. Vickie Mezzacappa

  • 12/04/2024

    Judy Barrett

    Elaine was the keeper of memories for the family. I'm so sad I didn't know about her death until after the service. She has always been the one who kept up with all of us, and I will miss her humor, love and memories. Judy Barrett

  • 11/27/2024

    Vincent T Kelly

    Mr, Olson, George, Russell and the Olson Family, Ms. Olson was the best teacher at the start of my education and had a great sense of humor. Ms. Olson became a friend of our family and even came to my TX wedding event, TX baby shower and later to my parents funeral. I would visit her at her home over the years and she remembered everything and everyone with love. Ms. Olson always had a special place in my heart and still does and will be missed by all that knew and loved her. 2nd Corinthians 5:8 Thank you Olson Family for sharing this special jewel of love. Vincent T. Kelly-Mableton, GA

  • 11/26/2024

    Larry Wortham

    Condolences to the Olson family. Elaine was always a very friendly and likeable person. I especially remember when I was a kid, she always made me feel like a friend. She will be missed. Larry Wortham

  • 11/26/2024

    Linda Turner

    Condolence from Dixie 35 United Daughters of the Confederacy Linda Turner

  • 11/25/2024

    Peter Phillips

    Although I did not know Mrs. Olson, I knew her mother who was the wonderful Children's Librarian at the old location of the Sherman Public Library. She resembles her mother somewhat. I have nothing but fond memories of Mrs. Russell from when I was a child, and I send condolences to Mrs. Olson's family.

  • 11/25/2024

    Bill and Joyce Jarvis

    Our most sincere condolences to Elaine's family. We loved being in Sunday School with Elaine and Art. Such a sweet and gifted couple! Bill and Joyce Jarvis

  • 11/23/2024

    Alma McGuire

    I had Mrs Olson for kindergarten I didn't remember this until my aunt told me about it but my aunt was getting me ready for school one day and I didn't want to get ready I was fighting her so she got me dressed the best that she could and took me into Ms Olson and Miss Olson said to her I've got this set me down and put my hair up in a ponytail and from then on that day I was fine you will always be loved Ms Olson we love and miss you

  • 11/23/2024

    Deborah Williams

    Both my sons loved Mrs. Olson. Sad to hear she has passed. Condolences to the family. Deborah Williams

  • 11/22/2024

    Janis Thompson

    Dear Art, it was such a shock to receive the news about Elaine's death. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Janis Thompson

  • 11/22/2024

    Heather Henderson Jordan

    Mrs. Olson left a legacy for all the children she taught! I was privileged enough to be one of those children. She was my kindergarten teacher and taught my siblings as well. She remained a good friend and a very positive influence in my life. She even came to my wedding. She will be missed but her legacy will live on. I love you Mrs. Olson Love, Heather Henderson Jordan Kindergarten class 1975-76

  • 11/22/2024

    Sherry Bynum

    Condolences from Martha Jefferson Randolph Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution

  • 11/22/2024

    Susan Elaine Smith-Snider

    Elaine was a pistol, super intelligent, and had a huge heart. My father (Mack Snider) was especially fond of her and so my middle name is Elaine. She left this world better than she found it and her legacy lives on in the lives of all the children she taught and inspired. Our condolences to Art, Russell, George, and the rest of the family.

  • 11/22/2024

    Elizabeth Barrett Wicklund

    Some of my happiest childhood memories are when Cousin Elaine would come visit in Waco. She would take my sister and me to do anything we chose: visit the bear pit at Baylor, get treats, go out to dinner and then to a movie. I still remember seeing the movie, Auntie Mame, with her in 1958! I wish we had lived closer but she was never far away from my heart. Love and prayers to Art, George, the children and grandchildren who loved her so dearly. She will be missed.

  • 11/21/2024

    Sandra Froese

    We send our sincere condolences to Elaine's husband Art, her children George and Russell, and their wives, whom we also knew. Elaine was a gifted teacher in the Sherman ISD, a faithful Methodist, a Delta Gamma sister, and a loyal friend. She will be missed! -Lyle and Sandi Froese, McKinney, TX.

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