Lois Mary (Barber) Olson

Lois Mary Barber Olson, of Pendleton, Oregon, passed away on March 23, 2023.  A Celebration of Life, for both Lois and her husband Don will be held at 11:30 a.m., June 3rd, at McNary Yacht Club, 34099 Beach Shore Drive, Hermiston, Oregon, located at Hat Rock State Park.

Lois was born on April 28, 1935.  She was the third of five daughters born to Eunice Amble.  Her father was Harold Barber, and she was raised by Albin Amble on a small farm outside of Rolette, North Dakota.  She graduated from Rolette High School in 1953 and married her high school sweetheart, Don Olson, on October 17, 1953.  Don and Lois had four children, Claudia, Paul, Clark, and Barbara in the next five years.

Lois followed her husband from North Dakota, to Mississippi, Germany, Canyonville Oregon, Tiller Oregon Glide Oregon, Roseburg Oregon, and finally Pendleton, Oregon.  She became an expert packer!  She, and Don, took the family on many adventures in the Umpqua National Forest.

After moving to Pendleton, Lois took a position with JC Penney, and a few years later, with US National Bank.  She worked there for many years until her retirement.  After retirement, Loisand Don, sold their home, bought a motorhome, and eventually a park model in Rancho Casa Blanca in Indio, California.  They also bought a boat house at McNary Yacht Club.  Lois and Don would often say they led a very blessed life.

Lois’ greatest love was her family.  She was a devoted wife and loving mother.  One of her children’s favorite memories is the smell of the house when they walked in…home baked goods.  Lois was always there for her children’s needs, whether it be a friend to play games with, a band aide for a wound, or a hug for a wounded heart, the occasional handout, or support for the things that they believed in.  She also loved golf, boating and fishing, her friends, and most definitely her puppies.

Lois is survived by her daughters, Claudia (Dennis) Henningson, Barbara (Lance) Hart, and sons Paul Olson and Clark (Trisha) Olson.  She also leaves her sister, Margaret Whittmayer, 12 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Lois Olson sincerely thanks the staff of Suttle Care and Hospice.  The staff became like family members and the care that they gave Lois was the same care they would have given a beloved grandparent.