OLSON, Elizabeth Anita

Wickenburg (AZ) Sun Wednesday, January 26, 2005 Community Caregiver Olson Dies In Accident Every community has their share of big people--people that make big waves and leave legacies. Names like Coxwell, Gant, Wellik and Boyd--all bigger than life, honest and generous beyond all expectations--walk the streets of this little town. In spirit or in person, they are always looking forward...always giving much more than they take. This last weekend, we lost one of those giants. An individual many might not recognize died in an accident on Interstate 17 Friday (Jan 21) in her way to console a family that death had just visited. Elizabeth Anita Olson, 72, began the "We Care" program in Wickenburg 18 years ago and has overseen its ministry ever since. "We Care" is a hospice program offered to people and families that do not qualify for other hospice programs. If a terminally ill person is not given a six-month prognosis, they probably will not qualify for any other hospice. Elizabeth, with her big heart, developed the "We Care" program so that terminally ill people and their families would not be denied care and fall through any cracks. She has helped hundreds of people in the community with her hospice program and with her grief recovery workshops, groups and one-on-one counseling and support. She had trained hundreds of caregivers as part of her program. She also worked in the Stephens Ministry (a care-giving ministry for people in crisis), and the R & R Care Center facility. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Wickenburg, where she served faithfully and energetically as a deacon and an elder. She also enjoyed being part of the Presbyterian women's group. Mrs Olson, who was born May 18, 1932 in California, also was a member of the "Red Hatters." Whether you needed a clown (complete in costume) to brighten your day or an ambassador for the healing powers of laughter or a consoling hug, Elizabeth was there. She was also just preparing to leave for Belize to work with the Indians. She had a Masters Degree in psychology and provided grief couseling for all those in need--completely free of charge. Survivors include her husband Kenneth Harlan Olson; sons Alex of Wickenburg and Richard of San Juan Capistrano, Calif; and sisters Laura of Long Beach, Calif., and Gloria and Delia of California; stepchildren Susan, Chuck, Glenda, Linda and Kenny Olson Jr; grandchildren Mark Duffy, Olivia, Nate, Cassandra and Bianca; and her brother Manuel of New Mexico. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 10am to 1pm Wednesday, Feb 2 at Frey Funeral Home in Wickenburg. Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm Wednesday, Feb 2 at the First Presbyterian Church in Wickenburg. (Information provided by family friend Steve Cox, the First Presbyterian Church and Frey Funeral Home).