Gail Olson

DEFIANCE - Gail J. Olson, 83, of Defiance, passed away at 3:16 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born in Angola, Indiana on November 12, 1942, to the late George and Leola (Kiles) Cassel. On January 16, 1965, she married Webster Olson who survives.

Gail was a faithful member of Grace Episcopal Church in Defiance. For years she enjoyed working with her husband with their successful electrical business, Olson Electric. Gail was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She proudly volunteered for numerous organizations throughout the years, most notably as a Hospice volunteer. She was an accomplished private pilot and was a member of the AOPA since 1971. Gail was the first female to obtain a pilot's license in Defiance County. She had her own airplane and loved to fly, and she enjoyed painting and was a member of the Wyant Art Club. Gail will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Gail is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Webster Olson of Defiance, and her sons, Scott (Dana) Olson and Steve (Cara) Olson, all of Defiance. She also leaves behind three grandchildren, Nate (Aliki) Olson, Marisa Olson and Andrew Olson, her sister, Linda (Bill) Mott, and sisters-in-law, Patty Scheirer and Mary Zachrich.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Leola Cassel.

Private services for Gail will be held at a later date. Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Hospice Center, or Grace Episcopal Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.