In Loving Memory
Phyllis Elaine Olson
February 12, 1929 – May 21, 2022
Funeral Service
Willow Park Church
439 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC V1X 1Y2
Saturday, June 4, 2022
Graveside Service
Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery
1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC
Watch Video Recording of Funeral & Graveside Service
On Saturday, May 21, 2022, Phyllis Elaine Olson passed away peacefully with family and friends at her side at the age of 93 years. Born on February 12 1929 in New Norway Alberta, Canada, she moved to British Columbia with her family in 1949.
Phyllis worked as a teacher until she gave her life to the ministry starting in 1950. She laboured in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and British Columbia. A debilitating car accident in 2008 left her unable for the work. Since that time Phyllis was a resident at Missionwood Retirement Home in Kelowna, BC.
Phyllis is survived, and lovingly remembered by her brother Merlin Olson of Grand Prairie, Alberta; sister Lenore (Bevan) Jones of Abbotsford, BC; many nieces and nephews; and co-workers with whom she served.
Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Alf and Agnes Olson; sister Joyce (Morris) Nesvog; brother Gordon (Solveig) Olson; sister-in-law Marina Olson; nephew Laurie Olson; and great niece Tamara Ripley.
The family gratefully acknowledges the loving support of many coworkers, friends and the professional care provided by staff at Kelowna General Hospital and Kelowna Hospice House. Special thanks to all who visited Phyllis and faithfully stood by her in her last days and hours.
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Wow! I was so blessed to be able to attend Phyllis’ funeral online. I almost cried.
Phyllis’s Japanese in Taiwan was very useful, and she helped many people understand the truth, my mother was one of them.
In 1971 I made up my choice in her meeting. In 1987 I had the privilege of being her companion . She had a very kind and a special love for people and left me with sweet memories that I can’t describe. In 2017, I participated in the BC Conventions . Before the Conventions started , I was blessed to be able to stay with her at her residence for two days. Her spirit was still so gentle. I love her~
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In 1978, Phyllis came to HongKong from Taiwan. At that time I was without companion for a month. So you can imagine how happy I was to have such a Good companion.
I’m so grateful for her godly influence, example and her ministry.
In 2014 I had another great privilege in the Work to attend conventions over there. One of the high lights was to be with her at “Missionwood Ritirement Home.” with her. Her loving heart for helping souls has never retired from the “Work.” Many fond memories will lingering on in my heart. Thank you
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Fondest memories of a year of her life spent in the Langley/Surrey field.
Phyllis’s ministry was faith inspiring and faith building!
The messages with the right ring to them.
John 7:17.
Thankful for her life and ministry and for all that was shared at her funeral service.
Much love to all her relatives.
Our condolences for the pain of earthly ties that has been severed.
With love, Rob n Elva
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I have such special memories of our dear Phyllis coming to our convention at Glen Valley and she always added a special spirit to all of us. She was in our field too here at the coast one year and she gave all she had to her place in the ministry and inspired all who knew her. I remember her difficulty because of arthritis in climbing up the stairs to join others having tea etc. We appreciated every effort she made to continue in the work until she was unable to during the past few years.
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I had one month with Phyllis in South Calgary in January 1993. My co worker was on specials MTG rounds in Washington and maybe hers was too. It was definitely too short! I valued the time although was too young in the work to truly appreciate the opportunity. The short time does have lasting memories nonetheless. It was special to listen to the service.
Cheryl
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My thoughts and prayers go to the family in all parts of the country near & far. I remember many good visits with Phyllis especially one at GV where we walked across the yard. That would be our last visit in person. A true and faithful servant.
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Thinking of the Olson family; My memories of Phyllis are of such a quiet, gentle, unassuming spirit because of the background workings. We heard much of her influence and she has touched many. We’re grateful for the encouragement that we have in seeing the finish of another servant home.
Diane
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A beautiful service to remember a very useful life spreading the gospel. Thank you,
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Dear Phyllis’s mothering spirit was long ago felt by us and that same spirit has even touched extensions of our family . The gentle odor of her sacrifice is a sweet influence that continues to affect our hearts and our lives to this day . Thank you Phyllis… we will always treasure the memory of you !
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I also have such sweet and special memories of Auntie Phyllis. I’m so grateful for her dedicated life in God’s ministry. Mom and I were able to enjoy a visit with Auntie Phyllis in the Missionwood Retirement home several years ago. She insisted that she take us to dinner in the cafeteria at her home and wouldn’t let us pay for it. She was someone who was always ‘giving and giving and never forgetting’. Such a beautiful thing to witness about her life. It was a real privilege to watch the live-stream of her service today. So much love to all the families. We love you…and share in your earthly loss. Sharon & Verna Nesvog
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I’m grateful to have seen the service by Zoom. Appreciated all the messages from our servants. Thankful for every influence of godliness to help us finish our race. Phyllis has finished hers and now she’s part of that cloud of witnesses and they’re encouraging us to lay aside every weight and to run with patience the race that is before us.
Hugh and Anna Keith
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A beautiful service commemorating a very useful life,
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Our family’s connection goes way back to when Phyllis was just a teenager. She never sought attention yet her strong sense of duty and real courage stood out and inspired others. There was never any doubt about her absolute devotion to ministering the Gospel…her deep love of souls and care for the welfare of the flock. Phylis will be so missed by many, and our thoughts especially go to all of her family and co-workers at this time.
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I will never forget Phyllis’ lovely spirit in whatever situation. It was very hard for her when she was no longer able to continue in the work. But she never lost the heart of a servant of God. She loved souls and that was very apparent wherever she was. I loved her very much.
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I have many special memories of Aunt Phyllis as well. The card mentions “Thanks” to the many who have stood by her these past days. I thank you as well. It’s been several years since I’ve been able to be with Aunt Phyllis, but I will always feel her quiet and gentle spirit, faithfully upholding Truth. She was, and is, a testament to God’s grace living amongst us.
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Bevan , Lenore & entire “Olson Clan”. 1969, since you’ve come into my Spiritual life, I’ve valued your love! TA!
When I think of Phyllis, my thots go to a Special Meeting in Kelowna. Phyllis read Deu. 11: 21 “That your days may be….as the days of heaven upon the earth,” Then said: ” God wants us to have days on this earth as days in heaven.” It was shared so beautifully!! Now, she’s ‘hung her shield of faith in victory’ Just so thankful for her influence. My prayers & love are with you as we say our “Till we meet again” to dear Phyllis! Betty [Stelfox] Hredil
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It was never my privilege to have very much time with Phyllis. I’m thankful for the silent message that God is well able to keep His own through all the varied experiences of life.
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So pleased that I got to meet Phyllis years ago! She was such a quiet peaceful soul!
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I have special memories of Phyllis, Her kindness , encouraging words, and gentle Spirit. Condolence go to Lenore and family.
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Special memories of this gentle person in our life.
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We have many special memories of Phyllis from our childhood when Alf and Agnes Olson were close to my parents. In recent times when we appreciated Phyllis so much when visited her in Kelowna. Violet Nelson (Fabian) also sends on her condolences. She had many special times with the Olson family, especially in Salmon Arm.. Our thoughts are with you Bevan and Lenore.
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my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
i have many fond memories of time spent with phyllis, alf agnes and the families while i lived in abbottsford.
and much encouraged by their love and care to us all.
love and sympathy to you all.
christine billings
(new zealand)
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When I think of Phyllis, think of the word “emeritis ,— one who no longer is active in their chosen field, but still is there to support others with wisdom and encouragement. ” We’re so fortunate to have those amongst us who fill that position with love and care.
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‘Forever in green pastures’ – our dear Auntie Phyllis is enjoying them now!
When we used to meet with her – she would sometimes speak on Psalm 23 –
& she would finish by saying “the Lord is my Shepherd – I am His sheep!”
How true she proved this to be – encouraged us all to know!
‘Forever’ in all our hearts! Our loving greetings & prayers.
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I have had the blessing of getting to know Phyllis quite well while looking after Gramma LaHue. All the ladies met every Friday for lunch. Phyllis,never complained,and always had good things to share each week!
I have always admired Phyllis doing whatever she could, and always such a beautiful smile, and a tender heart for all who would stop to spend a little time with her. She was always there, I looked for her every convention! Still having that smile that lifted your heart in thankfulness for her Faithful service to her Lord,and her ready comments of encouragement. Sadly I hadn’t seen her recently, was sad to know I wouldn’t see that sparkle in her eyes, and gentle caring soul, whom I will miss so much! With all my heart, I am so grateful, she has gone home to her eternal peace, and reward, what a beautiful place to be, eternally with her Lord and God!!
I Love you Phyllis
Brenda
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During my time on the BC staff, I appreciated Phyllis greatly.Her care for others often touched my heart .I appreciated her honest sincereity..I have sweet memories of fellowship with her.
With sympathy & care to her family…Diane Anderson
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We have very special memories of Auntie Phyllis from our days in Kelowna. She was on her way to visit us when she was involved in that accident that left her where she wouldn’t have humanly chosen to spend her final years. Thanks for her selfless sacrifice for others on His behalf.
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So glad to think of the love Phyllis had for the Word of God….and now she has entered into the promise of Eternal rest that she so fully believed in.
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Faithful influence, kindness & patience,
We’ll miss your steady light. Feeling thankful for all you poured out from your heart while with us in this life. Heartfelt condolences to all the family.
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The wisdom, warmth and love that auntie Phyllis so easily bestowed on us will be so missed! Comforting and inspiring to see her reach the goal.
Sharon, Chris and Amy Korzeniowski.
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So many beautiful attributes come to mind when we think of dear Aunty Phyllis ~ all found in “fruit of the spirit”. We think of you Lenore & Bevan, saying “good-bye” to your beloved sister. Our love, Don & Edith-Anne
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I have lots of great memories of Phyllis. You will miss her as will many others. You are in our thoughts today.
Love Wendy Murdoch
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Aunty Phyllis was a big help in my early days; I remember a message she shared about the colours of the rainbow, and how each represented an aspects of the life of Jesus. She is closer to her Master now and how lovely that thought is.
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So thankful for knowing and loving Phyllis since the 1950’s.
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I have good memories of Phyllis and her humility and sincerity and am thus happy to join in saying goodbye .
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I am not sure where I met Phyllis, maybe Japan or Korea sometime between 1980 and 2000. Though we may not remember what someone has done or has spoken, we will always remember their spirit and the way they made us felt. I love what I remember of the spirit of this dear gracious sister. And the peace and love of her presence. I’m thankful that she “cast her bread upon the waters” and that bread has returned again and again and again from that faithful life. Sincere condolences to her family.
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I remember Phyllis visiting California conventions with bread. Her humble spirit and quiet hope for the mainland encouraged me.
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Ken & I loved every visit we had with Auntie Phyllis. The times she spent in our home. All her precious messages God gave her to share with us. Her Godly influence, example in simplicity. She will be missed, but she was looking forward to her release.
Thinking of all her family, friends and fellow workers left behind, may you have great comfort and wonderful memories!
My condolences!
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Our Condolencens to the family and friends , thankful for her life and her example. We will miss her!
Greetings from Mexico Marlen, and family.
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Phyllis was a gentle lady with a ready smile, who trod gently on this earth. She touched us with this gentle spirit.
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The Olson family were very dear to our family through the years I enjoyed her ministry through the years may the Lord be her family at this time and ever
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Aunt Phyllis was a beautiful person. She always made time for us in her busy schedule. Dedicated, loving and loyal person. Will be sadly missed. RIP Aunty
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Phyllis and Leeanne Lewis placed Dave and Vera Cumming’s Sunday morning meeting in our home 15 years ago. To this day, we appreciate her gentle patience, wisdom and guidance in those first feeble years of responsibility. There’s so many memories to cherish and now she has finished her course with honor.
Sincere condolences
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We have appreciated Phyllis’ Godly life and influence
We remember years ago, she was at 11 Didsbury. Her message was
very helpful. The influence of her message and her life remains with us.
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Our mom, Dorothy, benefited from Phyllis’ continued ministry. Every Tuesday that she was able, she found a way to visit and go over the study with mom, when mom was no longer able to get out.
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My condolences to all of Phyllis’s friends and family. Over the last few years I have been privileged to have been in Meetings with Phyllis and will always remember her encouraging spirit and gentle love for all.
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So very thankful fir Phyllis’ precious life. Wonderful memories of special visits and precious messages! Will be missed so
” Fair are the prospects all ahead…”
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In my first year in the work, that is 1963, Phillis gave me a recipe for chicken dumplings. It served my companions and me until today! She served me with her faithful life as well.
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We are grateful to have known Phyllis & felt her influence. Our hearts go out to the family as you are physically separated. May you know deep comfort
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Auntie Phyllis was such an inspiration to me. I loved her special spirit and accepting attitude of all that was God’s will for her life. I know it was hard for her when she was unable to continue in the work because of her health. I just loved her so much.
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Sweet memories and appreciate all the help Phyllis shared with us.
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Phyllis and I enjoyed sweet fellowship during the restricted days we had recently . I will cherish these memories always!!
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Special thoughts and sympathy to Lenore, a friend from long ago. Special memories of the Olson family at Silverdale convention.
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To Phyllis’ family, we offer thoughts of condolence as you’ve lost a very special family member.
Phyllis was a very kind and helpful friend through the years. A role model as they say.
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I had a privilege to be her companion. Her kindness was very outstanding to me. I will not forget her tender spirit. Her willingness to labor in many countries for the sake of the Kingdom touched my heart.
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Our phone calls with Auntie Phyllis and our visits with her will be greatly missed. She taught me so much. I will forever be grateful for the year I had with her and all she taught me.
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I have very fond memories of Aunty Phyllis when she stayed in my home a few times. Short but sweet visits; a very special lady. Another faithful and true servant gone home. Sending condolences to all her family.
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Because we met with Hazel Walker for 22 years we heard about Phyllis a lot and Phyllis attended some of Hazel’s birthday celebrations. We heard about the accident through Hazel and we felt for her. You feel as though you know some one even though it is through some one. Phyllis’s heart was still in the work.
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We have many fond memories of Auntie Phyllis. Our thoughts go to the family, and her fellow servants. She was a special lady with a soft voice and kind heart.
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We cannot deny the weary runner the finish line. However, we will miss Phyllis very much and I feel very grateful for her fellowship and love over many years. Will miss her very much and be ever grateful for her godly influence on my life. Betty Gregg
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Dear Lenore and family … Carol … and other family , just a note to tell you my thoughts and prayers are with you . I was fortunate one fall to be Phyliss ‘s co worker … She was very kind to me and we had a very special few months together . I feel fortunate for the influence of her life on mine . She loved God very much .