Aletha Marie (Williams) Olsen was born Dec. 31, 1929 in Ziebach Co., SD. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on April 18th, 2006, at the age of 76 years, 3 months and 18 days at Yuma Regional Medical Center, Yuma, AZ after a month's illness.


Her parents were Charles and Ethel (Higgins) Williams of Faith, SD. She was the third of five children, having three brothers, Donald, Frank and Cloyd and one sister, Ruth (Mrs. Roy Titus) and their families, who all survive her.


She attended the Higgins rural school for six years and completed her grade school in Faith. Aletha graduated from high school at Faith, SD. She attended Presentation School of Nursing in Aberdeen, SD for two years.


On August 23, 1951 she married Einar Olsen of rural Faith. They lived on the Olsen ranch, five miles east of Faith until 2003 at which time they built a home on Maitland Road near Spearfish, SD. To this union were born 2 children; a son, Ralph and a daughter, Joan. Ralph his wife, Patsi and their son Caleb live in Gillette, WY. Joan has a daughter, Jessica and grandson Treyton and one son, Tanner. Joan and her husband, Dave Fisk live in rural New Underwood, SD.


Aletha worked at the sales office of Faith Livestock Commission Co. for many years; thirty, plus. Aletha was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a longtime member of Bethel Ladies Aid. Aletha was active in many community projects including parade chairman for Faith Stock Show and Rodeo, Ladies Medical Organization, Mothers Club, Cub Scouts, member of Faith Manor Board and you name it.


Among her lesser known accomplishments were: 1st Faith High School Homecoming Queen (1947). She was nominated for "Volunteer of the Year for the State of SD". Aletha and Marlene Griffith were the 1st and only certified lady elephant riders in the entire Faith Country!


Aletha was a gracious hostess with a gift for hospitality. She died as she lived - ministering love and kindness to all those around her. One of her philosophies was to "Live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man. "Aletha was a great lady."


Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 25th at 2 PM at the Faith Community Center. Interment will be in the Faith Cemetery.


Visitations are scheduled for Sunday afternoon from 1 to 6 PM, Monday from 9 to 6 PM at Faith Area Memorial Chapel, Faith, SD and one hour prior to the service at the Community Hall.


In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Faith Ladies Medical Organization, which contributes to the Faith Health Clinic.