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From: "Billie C. & Anita J. Reynolds" <>
Subject: [CAShasta] 2/20/2003
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 17:45:08 -0800


Obituaries:

Deanna Mae Olsen

Deanna Mae Olsen, 54, of Alturas, lost her long battle with cancer on
February 10, 2003.

Thanks to the love of her husband, John, lifelong friend, Pat Gloster and
niece, Vera Sphar, she was able to be at home during her last days and allow
her family and friends to quietly hold her hand and say good-bye. Deanna was
known to many as "Nana or Nana Mae." She was born to Floyd and June Porter
on July 19, 1948 and lived the majority of her life in Alturas.

Right out of high school, she lived in Susanville for a brief period. She
returned to Alturas to work for Bank of America, where she worked the
longest part of her adult life. She worked a short time at U.S. Bank and the
Modoc Medical Center, which she had to leave due to her illness. During a
lapse of employment in 1998, Deanna cared for her ailing father, Floyd. He
passed away one day after Deanna's 50th birthday and she always believed he
waited until after her party to pass on.

When Deanna married John Olsen on November 15, 1975, she acquired many
family and friends. Sister-in-law Vera Zeller, spent many hour traveling to
Medford with Deanna and they grew to really love one another. She touched
everyone's heart with whom she came in contact.

Deanna's passions were her family first and foremost, friends, bowling,
camping and playing cards. Her family meant everything to her and holidays
lit her up like a Christmas tree. "Come early and stay late," was her motto.
She loved to camp, even when the weather didn't cooperate. Fun times were
had by all and many children experienced the great outdoors at Deanna's
favorite place in the Warners, "The Hide Out." Deanna was always up for a
game of cards and wanted to play "just one more."

She was known as the glue that held the Modoc bowling family together. Over
the years, she held many offices, received many awards and was inducted into
the A.W.B.A. Hall of Fame and also the Alturas Women's Hall of Fame. This
was a real highlight in her life. She was also a delegate to the Oregon
State Bowling Association and Oregon 600 club, When Shirley Oxley gave up
her battle with cancer, Deanna pledged to continue with the Junior Bowling
League, even though she had no children of her own. She loved those kids and
they loved and respected her. When she stood tall and put her hands on her
hips, they knew she meant business. When the local bowling alley closed,
Deanna kept the love of bowling alive. Even during her illness, she planned
and attended many out of town bowling trips. She even had high hopes of
attending one in the near future.

Deanna was able to have a dream vacation to Disneyland in late November with
her nephew Lester and family. Although very difficult for her, she had the
time of her life. She also babysat her great nieces, Katelyn and Angela to
the bitter end, with "tons of help from Uncle John."

Deanna will be missed by many friends and family, but especially by her
mother, June, husband, John, brother Lester and his wife Chris, nephews and
nieces, Lester, Kathy, Katelyn and Angela, Jolie and Don, Jodie, Rene,
Rochelle and Wyatt, all of Alturas and her extended Porter and Olsen
families.

During the week of her passing and service, many of Deanna's family
succumbed to the Modoc flu and missed her services. The following poem was
written by her niece Jodie, who was sick in bed, and read by her niece,
Jolie, at her services on Friday, February 14. The service was conducted by
Nick Contaxis at Kerr Mortuary Chapel and officiated by Destry Cambell, who
did a "magnificent job."

Ode to Nana: " You stood so tall and full of pride,

Though we could make you want to hide,

We had so much fun wherever we'd go,

And when your checkups were clear,

How your face would glow!

Some of the best times we ever had

Were spent with you,

"Us" acting quite bad!

Your time was too short and it sure isn't fair,

There you were...Getting new hair!

We wish you were here...We wish you weren't gone,

But we sure do promise...To take care of Uncle John.

We miss you so much and forget you we can't,

For you were one terrific Aunt! We love you."

Deanna would have liked any donations to be addressed to the American Cancer
Society, North Valley Region (which includes the Modoc Unit), Redding Field
Office, 3290 Bechelli Lane, Redding, CA 96002.

"Although our beloved Deanna has sprouted her wings and gone on to a
healthier and safer place, she will always be thought of and missed.
However, our saddest time will be at Christmas, her favorite holiday," share
family members.

Glen W. Olsen

Former Likely and Madeline resident, Glen W. Olsen died January 30, 2003, at
the age of 93 in Penryn, CA.

Glen was born to James and Anna Olsen in Mayfield, Utah on April 15, 1909.

Glen moved to Madeline, CA. in 1910 with his family who were early ranchers
in Lassen County. He met his wife while he was serving in the U.S. Army Air
Corps (129 AAF) during World War II. They began their married life in
Madeline, then moved to Likely where they resided until moving to Klamath
River, CA. in 1958. Here, he was a highway foreman and an active member of
the Horse Creek Community Church. Mr. Olsen retired in 1978 and enjoyed his
retirement years building at the church and working on his small ranch. He
lived in Penryn for the last 15 years. He is survived by his wife of 56
years, Dorothy; daughter Cindy (David) Hartmann; grandsons Chris Foster and
Aaron Hartmann; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by
all eight of his brothers and sisters.

A private memorial service will be held at a future date.



~~~~~~

Billie C. Reynolds
Anita "Jean" Waters-Reynolds
http://www.rh2o.com (Family Genealogy)
http://www.rh2o.com/modoc/ (Modoc County Genealogy)
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