Norma Jean (Rankin) Olson

Norma Jean Olson, 91, of Alexis, IL, passed away at 3:45pm, Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg, IL.

Norma Jean was born June 9, 1929 at home in Stonghurst, IL, the daughter of   John & Bertha (Morgan) Rankin.  She was raised and educated in rural Stonghurst and started attending school at the age of 5.  She graduated from Media Weaver High School in 1946.  She later attended Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL.

Norma Jean married Ed Olson in Monmouth, IL on October 23, 1949 and he died December 2, 2009.

She worked as a secretary at Bankers Life in Monmouth, the Iowa Ordinance Plant in Middletown, IA, Gale Products in Galesburg and Western Illinois Home Health Care in Monmouth, IL.  She was a homemaker and assisted in the family farm operation. She was a very active member of the Norwood Presbyterian Church.

Survivors  include her daughters, Marjorie (Dermot Hagan) Olson of Willington, DE, Barbara (Steve Lair) Olson of Alexis, IL and Terry (Scott) Faust of Westminster, CO; her sons, Jim (Denise) Olson, Dennis (Julie) Olson, Gary Olson, David (Paula) Olson and Randy (Tammi) Olson all of Alexis, IL; 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Clidean Blythe of Monmouth and Eloise “Peggy” Bergemier of Alexis, IL; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; and one son, Tom Olson.

Norma Jean’s family would like to acknowledge and give a special thank you to all the care givers that assisted Jean following her stroke while she resided at the Cardinal Manor in Alexis for 11 years, especially Peggy Polson, Diana Hunt, Kelly Bruns and Julie Davis. Also they would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Seminary Manor in Galesburg for their care and attention during her recent stay there.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Monday, August 3, 2020 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Burial will take place at Norwood Cemetery.  Open visitation will begin at 2:00 pm Sunday, August 2, 2020 at the funeral home, where her family will be present from 4:00-6:00 pm.  Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, all attendees are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.   Memorials may be given to Cardinal Manor in Alexis or the Norwood Presbyterian Church.