Rose Marie Olson

Rose was born in Escanaba on February 4, 1942, daughter of Robert Lewis and Alma Olive (Simonson) Clayton. She attended Escanaba High School and graduated in 1960. Rose also attended Bay College and earned an associate’s degree in accounting.

On December 6, 1962, Rose married Gerald Olson in Minneapolis. They moved to Bark River the following year and raised their family there.

She worked as the assistant manager at Joann Fabrics and then as a bookkeeper at Office Service Supply until her retirement. In retirement, Rose and Gerry split their time between Bark River and Punta Gorda, Florida.

Rose was a devoted Christian; loved the Lord and reading God’s Word. She attended the Bark River Bible Church. As a leader in their Awana Group, she helped guide children in Bible study. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, traveling and reading mystery novels. Rose was devoted to her husband, two children, and three grandchildren. In October of 2023 she became a great-grandmother, and this was one of her greatest joys.

Rose is survived by her loving husband, Gerald; her children, Maggie (Ray) Miller of Escanaba, Mich. and Bill Olson of Venice, Fla.; grandchildren, Misty Olson, Natalie Nelson and Kasey Nelson; great-grandson, Jack Nelson; siblings, Ann Miller, Lewis (Cheryl) Clayton and Rader Clayton; along with many nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her brother, Jon Clayton; sister in-law, Judy Clayton, brother in-law, Jerry Miller, and sister-in-law Jennifer Clayton.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bark River Bible Church, 1105 12th Road, Bark River and the funeral service will immediately follow. At the conclusion of the service, a meal will be provided in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bark River Bible Church in Rose’s name. A message of condolence can be directed towards the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Olson family.