Remembering Etta Olson

Do any of you remember Mrs. Etta Olson? Some of us had her for 8th grade history. One of my older brothers had her, also. He said whe was old when she was teaching then. If memory serves me correctly, the first quarter of 8th grade history was spent on civics. Also during the year, we had to memorize the Gettysburg Address. I always thought our 8th grade year was really fun. She passed away recently, and her obituary was in the December 12, 2009 edition of the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader.


Etta F. Olson of Clarkston, WA Published: December 12, 2009
Clarkston - Etta F. Olson, 105, Clarkston, WA.Etta Fern Ervin Olson passed away Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at Royal Plaza Care Center in Lewiston, Idaho.Etta was born to Alice Fletcher Ervin and Harry E. Ervin on Nov. 9, 1904, at the family farm near Montrose, SD.She married Floyd Olson at Miles City, Mont. They lived at Garden City, SD, for more than 50 years.Etta was a teacher for 44 years. She began her teaching career in one-room country schools. At the start of World War II, she transferred to Garden City, where she taught in the elementary grades. The last 17 were spent teaching junior high in Brookings, SD. She received her bachelor of arts degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, and a master's in elementary education from South Dakota University at Brookings.After retiring from teaching, she and Floyd pulled their Avion to Harlingen, Texas, for 20 winters. In the late 1980s, they moved to Clarkston to be near their daughter, Beverly Bea Haugen and family. They still spent winters in Texas until 1993. Floyd passed away in December 1993.Mom was a life member of Eastern Star and enjoyed Past Matrons gatherings. In Garden City, she belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary and the Chat-a-Wee Whist Club. While teaching, she enjoyed the University Women's organization. Etta was a member of the United Methodist Church at Clarkston.After retiring, she had time to play bridge and did so with enthusiasm! She traveled in Europe twice and cruised the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Alaska with family.Survivors include a daughter, Beverly Bea Haugen of Clarkston, five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.In addition to her husband, Etta was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Dr. Lindsey Ervin (retired colonel, USAF) of Rome, NY; two sisters, Mohea Ervin Clark of Redfield, SD, and Garnett Ervin Keil of Milbrae, CA; and a granddaughter, Laurissa Lynne Haugen.

That would have made her 60 years old when she taught us. I don't know how much longer she taught after that. Does anyone have any information or stories to pass along about her? What did her husband do? Did anyone ever see her around the community? Was she active in her church?