Beverly S. “Bev” Olson, 92, died peacefully in her sleep on October 28, 2021 in Salina. She was born May 28, 1929 in Newton, Kansas, the daughter of Ervin J. and Geneva D. Steiner. She was joined in marriage with Dr. C. L. “Chuck” Olson, on December 29, 1951. Together they actively served their church and community for over fifty years and raised a family of four children, twelve grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Bev grew up on a farm in Harvey County, graduated from Newton High School, attended Emporia State Teachers College and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music.

Bev was a member and leader in Salina Federation of Music Clubs – Treble Clef, Salina Symphony Guild, SAI Music Fraternity, PEO, and Helianthus. She directed choirs and was the Director of Music Ministries at the First United Methodist Church for over 40 years. She taught many aspiring vocal music students and accompanied them in competitions throughout the state.

Of most importance to her was her role as mother, wife and grandmother. She made time for family, especially grandchildren. Among their favorite times together were vacations to Colorado and Christmas caroling at the homes of friends. The Olsons were named Kiwanis Kansas Family of Builders in 1974 and Kansas Federation of Music Club’s Family of the Year in 1976.

Chuck preceded Bev in death in 2011. She is survived by her daughter Nancilee Jones and husband Daniel, both retired teachers in the Salina Public Schools, and their three children Ashley and Erik Wisner (daughter Cece) of Lawrence, Bryce of Lawrence and Emily of Atlanta, Georgia; son, Chuck of Wichita, his wife, Sarah and their three children, Stephan and his wife Callie of Roeland Park, Elizabeth Hogan and her husband Ryan (children Lucas and Cara) of Olathe, and Caroline Kimbrough and her husband Alex (daughter Ellie) of Rochester, Minnesota; daughter, Maribeth Blunt of Leawood and her three children, son Colin and wife Erin of Kansas City, Missouri, daughter Abby Blunt of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Hillary York and her husband Spenser (daughter Weston) of Nashville, Tennessee; and son, Evan and his wife Susan of The Woodlands, Texas, and their three children, Eliot and his wife Hannah of Houston, Katherine and her husband Trevor (daughters Sydney and Joey) of Munich, Germany, and Grace Casey and her husband Dan (children Zion and Ada Grace) of Houston.

The family would like to express special appreciation to the Management and Staff of the Presbyterian Manor of Salina for their compassionate care during her residence there.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday November 1, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Salina with Rev. Richard Fitzgerald officiating. Following a graveside service at Roselawn Memorial Park, a reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to memorial funds for student scholarships with First United Methodist Church or Kansas Wesleyan University Vocal Music Department.

Out of respect for the health of the family and all present, we recommend wearing a mask during the service.