Joyce Ann Olson

Joyce Ann Olson, 89, of Fort Ransom, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at her home on October 31, 2024. Known throughout the community as Grandma Joyce, she lovingly offered sincere and candid wisdom with a genuine desire to help, and she cherished the visitors who filled her home and front deck with lively conversation.
Joyce was born on June 21, 1935, in Fort Ransom, ND, to Hector and Verna (Larson) Tommeraus. She was close with her two sisters and brother. Upon graduating Fort Ransom High School, Joyce dedicated herself to a life of strong work ethic and care for others. She worked at St. Luke's Hospital in Fargo assisting in surgeries, Community Memorial Hospital in Lisbon, the Ransom County Soil Conservation District where she planted countless shelterbelts with her sister Shirley Hanson, Bear's Den Mountain ski area as the cook, The JS Corral, Hartley's Cupcake Café, and Thor's Bar and Grill. She worked "uptown" well into her 80s and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
On January 13, 1956, Joyce married the love of her life, Paul Keith Olson. Together, they made their home in rural Fort Ransom, farming and raising four children-Ronald, Russell, Robert, and Rita. They enjoyed the company of their nearby friends playing cards, going dancing, and meeting at the Fort Cafe for breakfast. Paul and Joyce were honored by the state soil conservation district due to their involvement in planting trees.
Joyce genuinely believed there was no greater place to live than Fort Ransom. She praised local young families for their involvement in keeping the town vibrant and enjoyed donating Christmas Bears to the yearly holiday party. Joyce valued keeping traditions alive, attending church, and participating in social events. She was an active volunteer for the Ransom County Fair, quilting group, Standing Rock Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid Circle, and Community Club.
To know her was to love her and be loved by her. Just a few ways to describe Grandma Joyce: farm wife, tree planter, gardener, solid meat and potatoes cook, graceful two stepper, expert baker, speed lawn mower, lead foot golf cart driver, diligent bird feeder, coffee crowd regular, pinochle player, and candy dish stop for local kids. A great day for Joyce started with peanut butter toast, a call to Rita, writing in her calendar, coffee with friends, a nap, a couple trips uptown, admiring the birds, a nap, handing out candy, answering the phone "Yello" and abruptly hanging up, and watching Polka Party before bed. She enjoyed receiving visitors, but no talking during The Bold and the Beautiful. She was truly content with life's simple moments like working on a puzzle and making a couple phone calls.
Joyce was a matriarch of her family and honorary grandparent to many. She created a sense of community and there are many people who mourn her absence, but are thankful for the laughs, compliments, Mississippi Mud bars, and ring cakes. "Slap on a little lipstick and you'll be fine."
Joyce is survived by her children Russell (Colleen) Olson, Robert (Teresa) Olson, and Rita Olson; daughter-in-law Lelony Olson; grandchildren Alayna (Jeremy) Brudevold, Tim Ekvall, Josh Olson, Stacey (Casey) Ryan, Rachel Olson (Robert Storbeck), Brandon Olson, Nichols Olson (Karlie Toy), Calli (Lucas) Jacobson, Danielle Olson (Taylor Sargent); great-grandchildren Corbin, Arya, Leighton, Blayke, Axel, Kendall, Hayes, Lennon; her sisters Shirley Hanson of Lisbon, ND, and Lillian (Bob) Kopperud of Fargo, ND; sister-in-law Mickey (Curtis) Granlund, Battlement Mesa, CO; brother-in-law David (Renee & Brayden) Olson, Fargo, ND; nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever fondly carry her memory in their hearts.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband Paul Olson; son Ronald Olson; granddaughter Jenny Olson Ekvall; brother Donald (Arla) Tommeraus; brothers-in-law Curt Hanson, and Richard (Donna) Olson; niece Heather Olson.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Standing Rock Lutheran Church in Fort Ransom. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Standing Rock Lutheran Church followed by burial at Standing Rock Lutheran Cemetery near Fort Ransom. Joyce's service will be live streamed below.