Sara Olson was born July 6, 1902 at Alcester, SD to parents Ole and Sophie (Peterson) Pearson. She died January 15, 2009 at the Morningside Care Center in Alcester, SD at the age of 106 years, 6 months and 9 days.

Sara attended Finn rural school, graduated from Alcester High School in 1921, and attended National Business Training School in Sioux City, IA. She married Elmer Olson on December 19, 1926. The couple lived in Hawarden, IA where Sara worked at First National Bank and later in Sibley, IA where they managed a Council Oaks Store. In 1932 they moved to rural Alcester where they farmed until 1972 when they moved into town. Sara also worked at Lincoln Union Electric, retiring in 1967. She moved to the Village Apartments in 1989 and has resided there until the current time.

Sara was baptized at Alcester Baptist Church and has been a lifelong member. She taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir and was active in many church organizations. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Sara volunteered for countless activities at Morningside Care Center and many other community functions. She was named Citizen of the Year in 1985.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers, Lawrence and Lowell Pearson, and a nephew Howard Pearson.

Her survivors include nephews Ronald Pearson and wife Virginia of Texas and Larry Pearson and wife JoAnn of Alcester; several great nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM, Monday, January 19, 2009 at Alcester Baptist Church with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Alcester. Visitation will be Sunday from 2PM to 5PM with family present from 3PM to 4PM and a prayer service at 4PM at Wass Funeral Home in Alcester.