Ella Mae Olson

Ella Mae Olson, age 92 of Grafton and formally of Hoople, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2011 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Ella Mae McMahon was born on December 13, 1918, the daughter of the late Ed and Alice (Broadbent) McMahon, in Glasston, ND. She grew up and attended school there and graduated from St. Thomas High School. Following her education, she cooked for local threshing crews. She married Norman Olson on February 5, 1938 in Cavalier, ND. The couple lived in Drayton until 1940 when they moved to Hoople where she began working for area farmers during the potato harvest. Norman passed away on July, 18, 1981. Ella continued working the potato harvest until 1995 when she retired. She moved to Grafton, ND in 2006 and resided there until her death. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Hoople. She is survived by her sons: Richard (Sharyl) Olson, Grafton, ND, Garry (Donna) Olson, Amery, WI, Marlin (Laura) Olson, North Branch, MN, Duane Olson, Hastings, MN, sister Dorothy Crowder, Grafton, ND, 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Norman, sisters Amy and Maudie, and grandson Bobby Olson. Funeral services will be on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be on Monday for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Hoople City Cemetery.