Ferne Elizabeth Olson, 98, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022, in West Des Moines, IA. Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, May 6, 2022, at Westover Funeral Home. Burial will follow at St. Charles Cemetery in St. Charles, IA.

Ferne was born January 21, 1924, in Truro, IA, to Chester and Margaret (Picken) Buchanan.

Ferne graduated from Truro High School, and continued her education in Business College, getting her A.I.B. in Des Moines. Ferne served in the US Womens Marine Corp. Division from 1944-1946. Ferne worked at Iowa Farm Bureau, Standard-Oil Company, and as a secretary at Drake University in the Athletic Department. She was a former member of Quester Group 57.

After serving in the military, she met the love of her life Ernest “Ernie” Olson. Together they had three children and raised them in Des Moines. Ferne enjoyed taking pictures, flowers, traveling to Oklahoma and California, attending church groups, playing Canasta and collecting glass paper weights. Ferne is remembered for cooking big family meals and relaxing with a good cup of tea. Above all, her biggest enjoyment was spending time with her family and friends.

Ferne is survived by her children Randy C. Olson of West Des Moines, IA, Barbara (Mark) Hunget of Ponca City, OK, and Richard A. Olson of West Des Moines, IA. Grandchildren Jason Hunget, Carolyn (Todd) Mounce, Daniel (Natalie) Hunget, great grandchildren Lincoln and Shelby Mounce; Lydia and Gabe Hunget; She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ernest H Olson and her brother Robert Buchanan.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am - 11:00 am Friday, May 6, 2022, at Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines. Contributions may be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church or American Cancer Society. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.