Ruth L. Olson, age 88 of Freeport, IL, passed away at her home on May 10, 2024.  She was born December 24, 1935, on the family farm in Osseo, WI, the daughter of Hugo & Laura (Herrmann) Hangartner.  She graduated college from UW-Stout at Menomonie, WI. in 1958 with a degree in Home Economics.  On September 5, 1959, she married Ronald M. Olson at Osseo, WI.  They were blessed with 49 wonderful years together until his death on March 13, 2009.

After college, Ruth taught Home Economics at Beaver Dam, WI, for a couple years until moving to Freeport to be with Ron.  After starting their family, in addition to being a great mother, she taught sewing classes through the Highland Community College Continuing Education program and was a fabric specialist selling Leiters' Designer Fabrics out of her home.

She was an active member of St. John United Church of Christ in Freeport teaching Sunday School, singing in the Chancel Choir, delivering Meals on Wheels, lending her sewing skills however needed, coordinating many banquets for community groups with the Lydia Circle and leading peanut brittle crews for the annual Cookie Walk for 25 years.

She was also an active member of the Stephenson County Home Economists, a Stephenson County 4-H Clothing Advisor for over 20 years and enjoyed serving as a 4-H and Open Class judge at county fairs in the area for many years.

She and Ron traveled extensively throughout the world, which she fondly remembered. More recently, she enjoyed phone calls, crossword puzzles and watching TV game shows, Fox News, and the Green Bay Packers, often with a cup of coffee in her hand and a cat on her lap.

She had a warm smile, quick wit and hearty laugh that we will miss dearly.

Survivors include her daughters, Ronalee Olson of Freeport, IL and Lisa (Tim) Ebbers of Rock City, IL, and her son, Eric Olson of Freeport, grandchildren Colin (Kathryn) Ebbers of Freeport, Kristi (Kyle) Kamholz of Roscoe, IL, Trent Wracker and Todd Wracker of Indiana and great-grandson, Briggs Kamholz.  Also surviving are sisters Helen (Carl) Pyatt of Perry, UT and Lois Gunderson of Osseo, WI, sisters-in-law Janet Hangartner of Osseo and Ginny Hangartner of Pigeon Falls, WI, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Allen Hangartner, Dale Hangartner and Loren Hangartner, and brothers-in-law Marlowe Gunderson and Torrey Olson.

We would like to thank Northern Illinois Hospice for their care and compassion over the past 2 years, especially Laurie & Sara.

Services will be held at St John UCC, Freeport on Saturday, May 25th with visitation from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. with a time of fellowship after. The service will also be livestreamed on the church's Facebook page: https://facebook.com/stjohnuccfreeport/live

Memorials to St. John UCC will be appreciated. Condolences may be shared with her family at www.walkermortuary.com