MARY LOUISE (GIEFER) OLSON

It's with great sadness that the family of Mary Louise (Giefer) Olson announces her

Passing due to heart failure on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the age of 76.

She was born February 19, 1947, at Kingman Memorial Hospital, Kingman, Kansas,  the beloved wife of Lt. Col. (ret) Richard F. Olson of Springdale, Arkansas.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her son Richard M. Olson, his wife Jana, and her grandchildren Tyler and Kendal.  Mary will also be fondly remember by brothers Jerry Klein and Mattie Giefer; , sisters Rosie Gorges, Margie Scheer; and many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Susan Frances Olson; parents Matt and Genevieve (Hampel) Giefer and Bertha Klein Giefer; her mother; father and mother-in-law Wallace and Frances Olson; brother Larry Klein and his daughter Dana Klein; and sister-in-law Pam Giefer.

Mary grew up on a farm in Kingman, Kansas.  She graduated from Kingman High School, and was employed by Cessna Aircraft Company.  After a short time, Mary met Air Force 2 LT Dick Olson at McConnell AFB in Wichita. Marriage ensued in October, 1970 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kingman.  Soon following were the births of Richard and Susan both born in Wichita.

Mary became a true Air Force family member by her unfailing commitment to military life with many unforeseen circumstances and relocations.  She liked to work and graciously volunteer, while still being a precious wife and an exemplary mother to Richard and Susan.  Mary made many sincere friends everywhere.  After twenty-one years of military lifestyle, the family retired from the Air Force life at Little Rock AFB, Jacksonville, Arkansas and eventually moved to Springdale, Arkansas to be closer to her grandchildren Tyler and Kendal.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 2, 2023 at the Livingston Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman, Kansas.  Parish rosary will be 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the St. Patrick Catholic Church followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will be in the Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made with the St. Jude Research Hospital or the St. Patrick Grade School, both in care of Livingston Funeral Home.