Vorita J. "Rita" Olson, 91 of Rockford, died Friday, September 5, 2014 at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. She was born December 21, 1922 in Fairdale, IL, the daughter of Dewey and Frances (Rote) Lantz. She married George "Bud" Ward, he preceded her in death. Rita then married Elwyn C. "Ole" Olson, he also preceded her in death. She worked as a secretary for Woodward Governor and Lenz Pharmacy. Rita attended Beth Eden United Methodist Church and was a Sunday school teacher there for many years. She was an avid bird watcher, enjoyed doing cross word puzzles, and reading biographies. Rita liked going to garage sales, doting on her grandson, Joel and her great-grandchildren, Maya and Ella.
Rita is loved and will be missed by her grandson, Joel (Cindy) Hallstrom of Rockford, IL; great-granddaughters, Maya and Ella Hallstrom; niece, Janet Willcox; great-niece, Amy (Johan) Lander. She is preceded in death by her parents, 2 husbands, George "Bud" Ward and Elwyn "Olie" Olson; daughter, Valerie Hallstrom, and a sister, Ida Frazer.
Private services will be held. Cremation rites have taken place. To light a candle or share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com