Barbara Olson

Barbara June Wood Olson, 80, passed away on November 22, 2015 in Lubbock, Texas. A graveside funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South in Abilene.

Barbara June Wood Olson was born April 18, 1935 in Selma, Alabama to Herman Nettles Wood and Serealia Pearl Whitcomb Wood. The daughter of a naval officer, she moved frequently throughout her childhood but found her true home in Abilene, TX when she began college at Hardin Simmons University in the fall of 1952. In August of 1955, she graduated from Hendrick Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Two months prior to graduating, she met the love of her life, Billy Olson. He was her patient while recovering from a gunshot wound suffered in the line of duty as an Abilene police officer. The two were married on August 12, 1955 and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Barbara practiced nursing at Hendrick Hospital for many years as head nurse of Labor and Delivery. She retired as a school nurse for the AISD to begin her favorite job as "Nana". She taught Sunday School for many years at both Pioneer Drive and Beltway Park Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and showed that love every day to her patients, students, friends and family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Herman Nettles Wood & Serealia Pearl Whitcomb Wood; and her brother, Willaim Ross Wood II.

She is survived by her husband, Billy Richard Olson, Sr.; brother, Mike Wood and wife Beverly; daughter, Debra Olson Ruster and husband Dan of Oklahoma City; son, Billy Richard Olson, Jr. and wife Stephanie of Abilene; daughter, Donna Olson Welch and husband Steve of Lubbock; eight grandchildren, Chancellor Ruster of Oklahoma City, Coleman Ruster and wife Reena of Abilene, Callie Ruster McDonald and husband Stephen of Nashville, Maddi Olson of Abilene, Tara Boyd-Thorpe and husband Dusty of Seattle, Jacob Boyd and wife Amanda of San Antonio, Ashley Welch of Amarillo, and Emily Welch of Plainview; 4 great-grandchildren, Caius McDonald, Mia and Lily Ruster, and Lola June Boyd.

The family would especially like to thank Debbie and Ernie LeClear and all the caregivers at Young At Heart and Hospice of Lubbock for their loving care.

We ask you to celebrate the life Barbara led and the peace and healing she has now found. She is having a wonderful reunion around God's throne with all those who went before her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org/go/donate or the charity of your choice.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Service

Cemetery