Mary Laura Tubbs Olson

Mary Laura Tubbs Olson, a resident of Monmouth Nursing Home, went to her heavenly home January 6, 2015 at 8:10 PM. She was 87 years old.  

Mary was born September 2, 1927, on her Grandparents farm, in Hale Township, Warren County, Illinois, the daughter of William and Laura (Winebright) Tubbs. She was raised and educated in Warren County and Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth High School in 1945. For the next seven years she did secretarial work in Monmouth.    

Mary met Marion "Alec" Olson in Oquawka, IL and on November 29, 1952,  they eloped and were married in Conway, Arkansas.  They then set up housekeeping in Oquawka, IL. where they worked and raised their two children.  Alec passed away February 12, 1969. Mary lived in Oquawka until July, 2008 when she moved back to Monmouth to Legacy Estates Assisted Living, .She was always proud of the fact that she never lived further than 8 miles from her birthplace. Mary enjoyed watching the Mississippi River and often wondered why anybody would ever want to live anyplace else but Oquawka, IL.    

Mary's working career was long and varied. She helped her husband in the commercial fishing business, took in washing and ironing, worked in the Circuit Clerk's Office at the Henderson County Court House and for more than 30 years worked for the Illinois Department of Public Aid, as a Case Worker, retiring in January 1992.     

Material things were not important to Mary - she was frugal in many ways, but also very giving in many ways. . She loved people! She was a devoted, caring and loving wife, caring for Alec during his extended illness. She devoted herself to her kids, doing without for herself to ensure their education. One of her true pleasures was doing special things for her grandkids, maybe a story, maybe a present, maybe a special event or maybe teaching them a new skill.  She loved her extended family - sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers -in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins. Family gatherings were very special for her, especially picnics, whether at De La Bar Park, Monmouth Park or anybody's back yard. She was sometimes referred to as the "Rambling Historian" and her good sense of humor was a welcome addition to any gathering. Her neighbors, friends and church family were equally important to Mary. Amazingly, her High School DFD group have remained friends for over 70 years,  never revealing their secret DFD name.   

Mary gave her heart to Jesus in the 1960's, and her hope was based on her faith in Jesus Christ. Over the years she served churches in various capacities, including Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Awana Club volunteer, Deaconess, Treasurer and  bringing the most food to potlucks. She enjoyed sharing her car, always willing to give others a ride to church or other activities, including teenage friends of her kids. Mary felt she was truly blessed by God was excited to share with others how they could enjoy His blessings. She was currently a member of Grace Bible Church in Monmouth.    

Mary is survived by her daughter, Jane (Tim Knutson) Olson of Rothschild, WI, son, Jack (Sheryl) Olson of Mora, MN, four grandchildren, Jacob (Rana) Olson, Mora, MN,  Andy (Candy) Olson, Mora, MN,  Laura (Can) Şakırgil, Adana, Turkey, and Anna (Brad) Branham, Coon Rapids, MN, eight great-grandchildren, Alex, Ava, Aksel, Natalie, Mia, Silas, Sofia and Isabel, three sisters-in-law, Elsie Olson, Schaumburg, IL,  Delores Olson and Donna Olson both of Oquawka, and one brother-in-law, Bill Tee of Oquawka.    

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three sisters, Ruth Tee, Barbara Foust and an infant sister.    

Mary's family would like to express  special appreciation to the staff  at Legacy Estates and Monmouth Nursing Home. The professional and loving care she received at both facilities helped to make the last six years of her life enjoyable and comfortable.    

Funeral services will be Saturday January 10, 2015, 11:00 am with an hour prior visitation at Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Monmouth with Pastor Don Bell officiating. Burial will be in Oquawka Cemetery. Family will receive friends Friday Eve January 9, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel.  Memorials may be given to Grace Bible Church, Monmouth or the Henderson County Department of Public Health Transportation Fund.  Online Condolences may be left at www.hooverhall.com.  Wise Family-Hoover Hall Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.