Lois M. Olson

Lois Marie (Bates) Olson, 91, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, in Peoria, Arizona.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St., in Garner. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Born April 29, 1933, in Belmond, Iowa, Lois spent her early years in Eagle Grove before moving to Burchinal, where she attended Mt. Vernon #1 School (K-8), and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1951. Her passion for caregiving led her to work as a nurse’s aide and later complete her licensed practical nurse (LPN) certification at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. On April 10, 1954, Lois married Robert F. Olson, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple settled briefly in Mason City before making Britt their home. Lois dedicated herself to nursing, serving at Hancock County Hospital and later at the Dr. Dave Shaw Medical Clinic for 15 years. She also supported her husband in managing their roller-skating rink in Britt. In 1959, Robert was drafted into the military, and Lois accompanied him during his 11½ years of service. While stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, they welcomed their daughter, Pamela Jean, in 1968. Tragically, Robert was killed in Vietnam on August 7, 1969. Lois and Pamela returned to Britt, where Lois became an active volunteer, completing a 90-hour EMT course and serving with the Britt Ambulance Service for three years. She also volunteered for Hospice and provided private nursing care.

In 1979, Lois and Pamela moved to Garner, Iowa, where Lois worked at Lynn’s Clothing Store and Erickson’s Drug Store before finishing her career at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, retiring in 1995. Lois was deeply involved in her community, teaching Sunday School and Bible School at the United Methodist Church, and participating in organizations like the UMW, Circle, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Gold Star Wives Club, Wa-Tan-Ye, and Sorority.

Lois cherished time with family and friends and had a zest for life. She enjoyed roller skating, golfing, dancing, reading, painting, and tending to her flower garden. Her thoughtful nature shone through in the letters and cards she sent to loved ones, and she took pride in her extensive doll collection.

In the early 1990s, Lois began wintering in Arizona, where she met her beloved companion, Don Gifford, in 1996. They split their time between Garner and fishing spots in Minnesota during summers until 2017, when Lois moved permanently to Phoenix to be near Pamela.

Lois is survived by her daughter, Pamela Olson (Chris Eatock) of Phoenix, AZ; her brother, Virgil (Arlene) Bates; her sister, Linda (Jerry) Leaman; step-siblings Richard (Susan) Staley and Sharon (Don) Buchanan; and many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Captain Robert Olson; her parents, Murl Bates and Greta Oettchen; stepmother, Mildred; four stillborn children; siblings Gordon Bates, Joyce Cox, and step-sister Jeannette Merten; and her dear partner, Don Gifford.

Lois believed in giving back to her community. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to local food pantries, hospice services, animal shelters, or organizations supporting women and children—causes close to her heart.