Ruth V. Olson

Brownfield, ME – Ruth V. Olson, 88, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of September 5, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. Ruth was born on June 27, 1938, in Portland, ME. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Irene Flaherty; her brother, Ron Flaherty; her son, Gerald Olson; and her beloved husband, John T. Olson Sr.

Ruth often shared the story of how she and John first met at a high school Valentine’s Day dance in February 1956. John was the handsome older boy from Portland who attended the South Portland High School dance and, as the story goes, found his future wife. One year later, on February 16, 1957, Ruth and John were married, beginning a life together that would span nearly seven decades and create a family that became their greatest legacy.

Ruth and John had five children. As a young mother, Ruth sewed clothing for her daughters, beginning a lifelong love of sewing and knitting. Being left-handed sometimes made it a challenge to pass those skills along to the right-handed members of her family, but everything Ruth created with her own hands was made beautifully and with love.

Ruth retired in the late 1990s from the J.J. Nissen bread factory in Portland where she was a dedicated member of the office team. In retirement, she and John spent many winters in Florida, where Ruth enjoyed golfing, the ocean, warm weather, and the many friendships they made along the way. Summers always brought them home to Maine and to family, filled with cookouts and time together, until they eventually sold their condo in Vero Beach so they could remain close to family during their later years.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Jean Olson; daughter Kim Clemons and her husband, Scott; son John Olson Jr. and his wife, Rosa; and son Scott Olson and his wife, Kim. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Melissa Boxer, Jennifer Roy, Christopher Clemons, Justin Stilphen, James Stilphen, Jack Olson, Hannah Olson, and Elisabeth Olson and four great-grandchildren, Kyla Labbe, Mason Stilphen, Hunter Stilphen, and Katie Emerton, her sister, Roslyn Flaherty; and many extended family members and friends, all of whom she loved dearly.

To her family, Ruth was simply and lovingly known as Meme. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the beautiful things she made with her own hands, the stories she shared, the traditions she helped create, and the generations who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Graveside services for both Ruth and John will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Calvary Cemetery. There, they will rest together with their son, Gerald.