Obituary

Ruth Rosina Olson Allen

Ruth Rosina Olson was born to Randal Ruby Olson. Her brother, Arthur and sister, Clarissa, preceded her in birth. Her life is a testament to learning over time and heart filled service to others.

‘Rosina’ grew up on a 300-acre farm 60 miles west of Chicago, Illinois. Her father, Randal, was a tenant farmer who worked soybeans, corn and hay fields. Rosina, along with her sister, brother, and father, worked the land using teams of horses and the sweat of their brows for their daily existence. Rosina as a child developed a strong work ethic and sense of frugality on her family farm.

Rosina’s mother, Ruby, came to the United States from Norway in 1914 as an indentured servant earning her passage to the United States by serving as a farm maid. Rosina learned strong religious values (and excellent cooking skills) from her mother. Rosina and her family were active members at Helmar Lutheran Church in Illinois where services were held in Norwegian only. She sang in the choir and was often a church soloist. Since Rosina grew up in a culture speaking Norwegian, she did not learn English until she enrolled in rural public school at the age of six, a life situation that taught her persistence and courage.

Rosina graduated from Yorkville Illinois High School in 1939. After graduation she went to live in Highland Park, Illinois with her sister, Clarissa. Where Rosina worked as a clerk in a Woolworth 5 &10 Store. Her hope was to become a Lutheran missionary. Rosina met Paul Allen, her future husband, soon after that time. Paul was an Omar Bakery deliveryman with strong ambition, persistence, and a deep love for ‘Rosie’. They courted for six months and were married on April 4, 1941. They had two children, Michael and Dawn. Paul later became an insurance salesman and manager. The family lived in various locations throughout the greater Chicago area. ‘Rose’ was a conscientious and encouraging mother and homemaker who graciously moved her missionary values to her home. She developed a reputation among, insurance employees, friends, and family as an excellent cook and gracious hostess. She enjoyed playing her Hammond organ, bowling, golfing, and singing in church choirs.

Paul and Rose retired to Leisure World, California in 1971. There she was a volunteer with local groups, like meals-on-wheels, church committees and neighborhood watch groups; and cared for her husband during the last 22 years of their 67 year marriage.

Rose moved to a condominium in Riverside, California to be near her daughter, Dawn in the last four years of her life. She hosted gatherings with wonderful condominium neighbors, enjoyed spiritual services at Hope Lutheran Church in Riverside, continued to play golf, and took excursions to Illinois, Oregon, and Bermuda.

Rose died peacefully in her sleep on August 28, 2012. She was 90 years old.

Her sister, brother, and husband preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughter, Dawn Justiss who resides in Riverside, California; her son, Michael Allen who resides in Newberg, Oregon; two grandchildren, David Andrew Allen of Sherwood, Oregon and Paul Robert Allen of Yuma, Arizona; and three great grandchildren, Isabel, Jordan, and her namesake, Tatum Rose.

Memorial donations may be made in Rose’s name to the organization of your choice.