Ruth J. Olsen

Ruth passed away at her home on Monday, August 10, 2026 surrounded by her family at the age of 96. The daughter of the late Lawrence and Ruth (Blake) Sayner was born May 21, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio. Ruth graduated from Central Michigan in 1953 and went on to teach 1St grade for a number of years. She returned to the work force in her later years at Petite Sophisticate. She enjoyed watching birds, being outdoors and she loved trees, but most of all she was devoted to her family.

Ruth is survived by her five children, Ruth Ann (Rick) Palmer, Glenn (Julie) Olsen, Mike Olsen, Tom Olsen and Christine (John) Lantz; six grandchildren, Bridget (Brett) Heary, Glenn (Antonella) Olsen Jr., Karen Lynn Palmer, Chris (Shelby) Palmer, Erik (Megan) Olsen and Kelly (Elliott) Lewis; eight great grandchildren, Brennan and Liam Heary, Lily and C.J. Palmer, Lucy and Stella Olsen and Ryder and Aiden Olsen; one sister, Dorothy Kriewall; one sister-in-law, Mary Ann Fitzsimmons and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Olsen; one sister, Captain US Navy Reserve, Nancy Sayner and two brothers, Larry and Jim Sayner.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice Group and to Mom’s special care givers Sue and Rebecca for the outstanding care they provided Ruth.

Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2024 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish with Rite of Committal following in St. Andrews Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the church on Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Bay County Department on Aging or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.