Nolene Ashley

Nolene Marth Olson Ashley passed away peacefully January 14, 2010. She was born on June 7, 1936 in Brookings, South Dakota. Throughout her life, Nolene maintained a stable and loving home for her treasured children despite moving frequently in support of her husband's nomadic career as a life insurance executive. She prevailed through divorce working as a retail manager and at the Washington School District as a single mother raising four young children. Despite the responsibilities that fell upon her shoulders, she made time to serve as room mother, mentor to her children's classmates in decision making classes and provided music lessons, sports and countless opportunities for growth. As her adult children had children of their own, she focused on her grandchildren; including those of her dear husband Sam Ashley who passed away in 2007. A fixture at school and sporting events and family gatherings, Nolene endeavored to always stay involved despite her failing health.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Sam Ashley, parents Irene and Otto Marth and son Steven Olson. She is survived by her sister Nyla Lunden (Charles), her daughter Stephanie Olson Wilbanks (Ken) and her sons David Olson (Robyn) and Tom Olson (Kimberley) and her cherished grandchildren Alex Wilbanks, Lauren Wilbanks, Katie Joy Olson, Kristopher Olson, John Olson, A.J. Olson, Max Olson and Tanner Olson. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the American Diabetes Association.