Barbara (Dart) Olson was a beloved Nana, mother, and wife during her incredible 85 years of life. She passed away March 2nd, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group.
Barb was born on October 22st to Ernest and Elna (Granholm) Dart in Escanaba, MI. After Barb graduated from Concordia College she went on to study Nursing and worked 40 plus years as an LPN.
In 2003, Barb retired and spent all of her free time socializing. Her free time was filled with music, church, bingo, puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.
Barb was predeceased by her parents Ernest and Elna Dart, husband Bob Olson, brothers Allen Flagstadt and Ernest Dart Jr., sisters Joan (Flagstadt) McCarthy and Marilyn (Dart) Rem, and her son Terry Russell. She is survived by her remaining four children and their families; Tammy (Russell) Bonner (Kevin) with her two children: David Leth (Amber) and his two children, Alennah and William Leth and Shawn Cochran (Ari) and her two children, Jason and Jeremy McNatt; Lori Russell with her one Child Natalie Coppock; Becky Barfield with three children, Ashley Russell and her four children, Isaiah Betterly, Hailey Zimmer, Hannah Zimmer, Damien Zimmer; her son, Brandon Barfield and his four children, Serenity, Paisley, Avalon, and Rilynn, and her daughter, Nevaeh; Lenny Anderson (Tracy) with three children Jacob, Nicholas, Taylor; and Lynnea Jackson with her two children Tavaris and Diamond.
Services will be held at SDA Church, 210 S Lincoln Rd on Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 pm. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes are assisting the Olson family.
Rebecca Barfield - Schenectady , Ny
Mom, you are so loved and missed terribly! I pray your at peace and with gram and grampa and all your family ! I love you and miss you more ! Rest easy mom !! until I see you again ! ALL MY LOVE ALWAYS!!! BECKI
Tricia Cass - Escanaba, MI
I knew Barb because my mom lives at West Highland just down & across one door from Barb. She always had a smile and an enthusiastic wave when we’d go by. My son always made sure to say “Hi Barb or bye Barb,” when we came in and left. We’re all going to miss her greatly and it’s not the same when we go in now. She was truly a kind and special woman. She’s now at rest, no more suffering and will be anew when Jesus returns. God Bless and prayers to her family.
Bud Lemire - Escanaba, MI
Barb was a dear friend when she lived here at Harbor Tower. She and I and Loretta Iverson would always have a good chat together. I don’t think she knew who I was later in life at West Highland, but I always thought dearly of her. My condolences going out to her family in the loss of this great and wonderful woman. ^j^