Olive Olstad, age 105, formerly of Valley City, passed away at Edgewood Vista, Fargo, ND, on September 2, 2022.
Olive Anna Rood was born January 29, 1917 in Chaseley, ND (Wells County), to Dan Oliver Rood and Anna Siverina (Gunderson) Rood. She was baptized at Bowden Lutheran Churchand confirmed at First Lutheran in Valley City.She attended King School and Ellis grade schools, south of Valley City and Lincoln in Valley City; graduating from Valley City High School in 1935.
Olive married Mylo Richard Olstad at Nebo Lutheran Church, Valley City, on June 25, 1939. They were devoted members of Nebo until its closing in 1986, when they were welcomed into the congregation of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Olive worked at the Lutheran Old Peoples Home in Valley City during High School and briefly after marriage and also at the Sheyenne Care center in the 1960’s.
She volunteered as a Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher at Nebo Lutheran Church; enjoyed Women’s Circle, Marsh Township Homemakers; and served as a 4-H leader and held other leadership positions. Though their home was small in size, it was huge in warmth. Any child who needed some extra care was welcome anytime. And, of course being a Scandinavian household, the coffeepot was always on. In addition to being a farm wife and mother, she began baking cakes in 1966. Over the next 40 years she made hundreds of cakes for weddings and other special occasions. As partners in life, Mylo shopped for the groceries, washed the dishes and helped deliver cakes in support of Olive’s baking business. They also enjoyed art lessons and painting together in retirement.
Olive’s greatest joy was family. She is survived by her three daughters: Myrna Nelson Olstad, Jan (Mike) Haugen, and Edie (Tom) Hockenberry. Grandchildren: Corey (Kent) Jonson, Greg (Stephanie) Haugen, Darrin (Melissa) Haugen, Jennifer (Steven) McCormack, Alison Hockenberry (Joe Rick). Great- Grandchildren: Jacoby (Wendy Kjersten) Nelson, Jesse Nelson, Shandy Nelson, Casey Jonson, Kelly Jonson, Daniel Haugen, Ella Haugen, Katherine McCormack, Matthew McCormack. Great-great granddaughter: RayeLee Ogorek, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Olive was preceded in death by her husband, Mylo (2000); her parents; Dan Rood (1972) and Anna Gunderson Rood (1931). Grandson, Randy Nelson (1997); Granddaughter, Dawn Nelson Blilie (2018); Great grandson, Jerad Nelson (1990); Son-in-law, Doug Olstad (2014); all of her siblings and their spouses: Dorothy (Bjarne Byberg) (Menzo Regnerus), Edna Ilene (Roy Bonde), Clara (Russell Pederson) (Axel Pedersen), Dan(Bud) Rood (Mertice), Harold Rood (Myrna), infant twin sisters Alice and Amanda. Mylo’s parents Ted and Marie Benson Olstad.
Olive’s faith was a very important part of her life. You probably remember her telling you “Jesus Loves You!” or in this time of changes in the world, “Remember God never changes.” Many of you who are reading this notice, whether you are family, friends or acquaintances, will remember Olive saying goodbye with these words: “If I don’t see you again, I’ll see you in Heaven.”
Olive was unique in being enrolled in Hospice twice. In 2020 during the midst of the COVID pandemic, it appeared her life was near its end. She was placed under Ethos Hospice, but she graduated in 6 months, and was blessed with almost 2 more years of sharing the love of Jesus with others.
The family would like to thank the staff at Edgewood Vista, Hospice of the Red River Valley, Comfort Keepers, Ethos Hospice, Bethany on University, and Bethany Gables, for their loving care.
Funeral Services will be held 1 pm Saturday, September 10, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Valley City. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to “Compassion International” to support children throughout the world.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at www. olivernathanchapel.com