Viola Olson, age 68, of the Pine Haven Rest Home in Gladstone (formerly of Escanaba) passed away Thursday evening, December 25, 2008 at the Pine Haven Rest Home where she had been a resident for the past six years.

Viola was born April 10, 1940 in Gladstone the daughter of Benjamin and Louise (Desotell) Willis. She was raised in Gladstone and attended Gladstone Public Schools. She moved to Escanaba at the age of 18 and she resided in Escanaba until 2002 when she returned to Gladstone. Viola attended Berean Baptist Church in Soo Hill.

Survivors include;

Daughter; Kay Bricker of Munising, MI

Brother; Richard (Mary) Willis of Gladstone

Sister; Lila Frances Deringer of Beloit, WI

Grandson; Harold Monhead of Florida

Numerous nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents, Viola was preceded in death by her husband Vern Olson in December of 2001, and 4 brothers, Leonard, LeRoy, Robert “A.C.” and Ben.

Viola’s family will receive friends on Tuesday December 30, 2008 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Viola Olson will follow at 6:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with Rev. Darin Kelsey of the Berean Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.