Ruth H. Olson, 97, of Ontario, Wis., passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, at the Elroy Health Services in Elroy, Wis.
Ruth was born in La Farge, Wis., on Feb. 28, 1926, to Harvey and Delia (Conley) Nelson. Ruth married Edgar Pitkin on June 25, 1942. She and Edgar moved to Oregon when their boys were little. They later moved back to Wisconsin. Ruth and Edgar farmed together, and then she began working at Tillmans. Later she began cooking and waitressing at Ma & Pa’s Café in Ontario. Ruth also worked at the Ontario grade school and then went to Brookwood High School to cook for 17 years. She retired at the age of 70.
Even though Ruth cooked as her occupation, she loved baking for her family and friends. She also loved playing cards and going to bingo and being with her loving family and friends. When Ed passed away Aug. 29, 1984, she remarried Lyle Olson on Oct. 9, 1997; he passed away June 11, 2001.
Ruth is survived by two daughters-in-law, Nancy and Terry Pitkin; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandkids.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Delia (Conley) Nelson; her husbands, Edgar Pitkin and Lyle Olson; her sons, Robert “Bob” and Gerald “Jerry” Pitkin; her daughter, Pamela “Pam” Fuchsteiner; two brothers, Kenneth and Dorsey Nelson; and her sisters, Margaret Hart, Hazel Neprud and Ruby Berg.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Faith Independent Baptist Church, Ontario, Wis. Pastor Michael Gjefle will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
