Leatha Ann “Bea” Olson, 80, of Bowbells, ND passed away in her home during the early morning hours of Sunday, July 26, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.

Leatha Ann Voss was born at the Kenmare, ND Hospital on October 9, 1939 to Albert and Gladys Voss. Leatha was raised and educated in Bowbells where she began many lifelong friendships, especially with her sister Gaynelle “Petie”. Even though Petie was 11 years older, they shared a close bond that only grew closer with the passing years.

During Bea’s high school years, she was active in FHA, chorus, pep band, cheerleading, yearbook, and served as Senior class President. She had a love for life and a heart for people which was evident to anyone who met her.

Bea was known to sell popcorn at the local theatre and that is where her love story with Duane “Kenny” Nelson began. Kenny came to the theatre one night as she was working and asked her on a date and as Bea said, the rest is history.

Kenny and Bea were married on June 1, 1958 in Bowbells where they made their home together for 52 years. They shared many passions including bowling, snowmobiling, country music, traveling, and entertaining people in their home.

Over the years, Bea was active in the Bowbells Snowmobile Club, Moddie Doddies Homemakers, American Legion Auxiliary, Women’s and Couples Bowling League, Ladies Country Club, Couples Dance Group, and served on the Bowbells School Reunion Committees. Bea was a member of the Bowbells United Methodist Church where she served as church treasurer, co-chaired the Women’s Serving Committee, and taught Sunday School. Bea was well known for her cooking and baking and loved to share her latest dish or trays of Christmas baking with those she loved.

Kenny passed away suddenly on January 28, 2011. Bea remained in Bowbells where another chapter of her life would soon begin.

Bea married Ruben F. Olson on May 3, 2014 in Bowbells. Together they traveled to thrashing bees and tractor shows enjoying life together. Even though they married later in life and their time together was short, Ruben always told her that he had waited for the best. Ruben passed away February 28, 2020.

Bea is survived by her nieces and nephews, Greg (Marcia) Durward, Lauri (Mike) Connelly, Dennis (Julie) Jacobson, Kathy (Donald) Craft, Rhonda (Tommy) Mathisen, Renae (Joseph) Roche; Brother-in-law, Norman (Karen) Olson; sisters-in-law, Agnes Frick, Alvina (Dennis) Overton; and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Bea was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Gladys Voss; husbands, Kenny Nelson and Ruben Olson; sister and brother-in-law, Gaynelle and Charles Durward; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kenneth and Beverly Jacobson, LaVerna and Johnny Hughey; niece, Gaynelle Mee.