With deep love and gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Donna Lou Olson, who died at the age of 89.

Born on February 27, 1937, she embraced every day with curiosity, joy, and an adventurous spirit that inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her. She shared 67 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, Elbert Rule Olson. Together they built a life filled with laughter, music, art, family, and countless adventures.

She graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching in 1959. Although she chose a path beyond the traditional classroom, she remained a teacher at heart throughout her life. As a docent at the Springfield Art Museum—where Children’s Day was always her favorite—she delighted in sharing her love of art, inspiring curiosity, and connecting with others. Through her kindness, boundless enthusiasm, creativity, and genuine love for people, she taught by example, enriching the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

An extraordinarily gifted quilter, she was especially passionate about creating art quilts and treasured the friendships she found in her beloved art quilt group. Her quilts reflected her creativity, patience, and unique eye for beauty.

Music was woven throughout her life. She played the guitar and ukulele for most of her years and delighted in singing, dancing, and bringing joy to every gathering. Her adventurous heart led her outdoors whenever she could—fly fishing in quiet streams, hiking scenic trails, searching for arrowheads, and exploring Native American rock art. She never lost her sense of wonder and was always eager for the next discovery.

Above all, she loved her family. She was the kind of mother and grandmother every child hopes for—the one who was always ready for another game, another laugh, another adventure. Her grandchildren knew her as someone who made every moment together fun and unforgettable.

Those who knew her will forever remember her infectious laugh. She was quick to find humor in everyday life, and her joyful laughter had a way of making everyone around her smile. She loved life wholeheartedly, and in return, she filled the lives of others with warmth, laughter, and love.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Rule Olson; her daughters, Kristen Swanson and Heidi Ochis; her son, Eric Rule Olson; her cherished grandchildren, Burke Rule Swanson and Emma Swanson; her sister, Dixie Wright; and her brother, Harvey White.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her family and friends will carry forward the gifts she shared so freely: a love of beauty, music, adventure, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.

A life so joyfully lived leaves a legacy that shall never fade. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial visitation will be held 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2026, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole St., in Springfield.

Care has been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East.