Laura Olson

Ilyne McJimsey Olson, a native of Kerrville, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 14, 2016 in Dallas, TX. Her children Daniel, Sharon, and John L. were at her bedside. They honor her life of generosity and love.

Ilyne was born on April 16, 1919 in Kerrville. She was the only child of Albertus and Laura (Wilson) McJimsey. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth V. Olson.

Ilyne lived in Kerrville and graduated from Tivy High and Schreiner Institute. In 1941 she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She was elected to the Theta Sigma Phi honorary journalism fraternity for women. Following her graduation she had an advertising position in San Antonio and met her husband, who was serving as an US Army Officer. They were married June 21, 1942. After World War II, they lived in Kerrville until 1948 when they relocated to Dallas and later to Houston.

In her middle years she taught various subjects and grades including several years at W.T. White in Dallas where she assisted with their school newspaper. Ilyne published children's books and math games, became a real estate agent and was partner in their family business.

She was devoted to her family and a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church. She was an active member and Sunday School Teacher at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston. Her interests included extensive traveling, needlepoint, duplicate bridge, history, and genealogy. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Those left to honor and cherish her memory are her children, Daniel V. Olson (Diane) of Oxford, MS/Kerrville TX, Sharon Judson (Levis) of Dallas, TX and John L. Olson (Michelle) of Scottsdale, AZ, grandchildren, Dub Kenneth Ramsey, Tristina Craft, Elle Hill and Madeline Olson. She is survived by five great grandchildren.

Celebration of life services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville with Reverend Rob Lohmeyer officiating. The family will receive friends at 2:15 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall for food, conversation and to celebrate her life. Pallbearers will be Bob Schmerbeck, Jim Priour, Dub Kenneth Ramsey, Dr. Steve Levy and Skip Johnson.

In lieu of flowers she requested donations should be made to a charity of the givers choice or to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, 510 E. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752-1218.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.kerrvillefuneralhometx.com. Select obituaries, select "sign guestbook" at the top right of the individual memorial.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home.
(830) 895-5111.

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